Copyright thehindu
The Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Member V. Ramaraj on Thursday called upon Bar Associations to create awareness about the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act and educate the public about how to file corruption complaints. Speaking at an awareness seminar on Lokpal and Lokayukta at the Tiruchi Bar Association here, Mr. Ramaraj said there was not much awareness among the public about the Lokpal and Lokayukta. The Lokayukta is an independent quasi-judicial body to inquire into corruption complaints against Chief Minister, State Ministers, Members of Legislative Assembly, state government officers, and employees besides public servants. Noting that the right to vote was a supreme power in a democracy, Mr. Ramaraj said only the vote determines the nature of a democratic government. “If corruption starts from the three aspects of democracy namely votes, voters, and elections, we cannot expect a democratic government free of corruption,” he said. Mr. Ramaraj said the citizens too have a responsibility to eradicate corruption. To protect the rights of voters and create awareness among them, a National Commission for Protection of Voters’ Rights and Education could be set up. Special Election Tribunals could be set up to hear and decide election cases within six months, he suggested and added that that they could be given constitutional status.
