Mangalore: Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh
Hegde on Saturday said he has accepted the government decision to
appoint him as one of the members of the 10-member committee
to draft the Lokpal Bill.
Speaking to the media here, he said, "I am willing to
serve as a member of the committee." Hegde yesterday declined
to head the committee following speculations in this regard.
Authorities of Lokpal should be vested with powers
given to police, Hegde said.
Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge known for his
vigorous campaign against corruption, had said yesterday that
former Chief Justice of India JS Verma, would be the most
ideal person for the post. Verma was the other choice of Anna
Hazare for the post, following negotiations with government
after his fast-unto-death to draft an effective Lokpal Bill to
battle corruption.
"No I do not think it will be right for me to chair
the joint committee," Hegde had said, noting his role in
drafting the earlier Lokpal Bill and supporting Hazare in his
fight against graft might invite allegations of being biased
and prejudiced.
PTI
