I believe in doing doodh ka doodh paani ka paani: SS Kothari

This is for the first time in the history of the state that the tenure of any Lokayukta has been extended. Now, Justice Kothari, who was to retire today, will remain on his post till March 24, 2021. The state government, through an Ordinance, released this order, which will have to pass the test in the Assembly within six months. Looking at the successful yet noncontroversial tenure of Kothari, the state government opted to give him a three-year term more to match the provisions in Uttar Pradesh which has an eight-year term for the Lokayukta. Rituraj Tiwari met Lokayukta SS Kothari in his office to discuss his future plans and his experience as Lokayukta of the country’s largest state.        

You have seen the government of two parties. But there was no controversy related to your working?

I have worked with utmost honesty without any bias. I never work with any kind of prejudice. I believe in doing doodh ka doodh paani ka paani. That’s why there was no controversy. All my decisions are based on what’s there on a file. This is what I had done in 40 years of my judiciary service also.

Do you think Lokayukta is strong in Rajasthan? 

Lokayukta is strong only in states like Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. But I don’t think the provisions of this Act are completely ineffective in Rajasthan. All kinds of corruption cases and cases of negligence of all officers and departments come under the purview of Lokayukta. And if the department wants, it can take stringent action against the guilty on the basis of the investigation.

What do you think should be done to make it more powerful?

Lokayukta should be given the power of prosecution also. I have written several times to the state government to amend the Act and make Lokayukta more powerful. The more powerful the Lokayukta, the more effective it would be in fighting against corruption. 

Do you think public representatives like Chief Minister and sarpanch should be under the purview of Lokayukta?

I don’t think a glorified post like Chief Minister should be brought under Lokayukta lens. It’s a dignified post and CM takes oath of constitution to serve the people in the best interest of the state. Similarly, posts like UPSC chairman and Assembly speaker should also be kept out of Lokayukta’s purview. We have to keep the sanctity of such positions intact. But definitely, posts like sarpanchs and public servants in University should be brought under Lokayukta to curb large scale corruption.

You have investigated corruption cases at all levels – from top to bottom level of bureaucracy and public representatives. Where do you think that corruption has peaked?

At every level, there are good people and corrupt people. We can’t say officers holding posts at particular level are more corrupt. It’s in fact evenly spread all across. But then, there are efficient officers also who are wrongly framed due to malice. I have come across many such officers during my field visits. I encourage them to keep doing the good work despite being victimised.

You have completed your term of five years. Now you have got an extension of three years. What are your plans?

Today only, I had convened a meeting of my officials to discuss how to make Lokayukta more effective. We have discussed the issue and now it will be our endeavour to dispose of cases and complaints we receive in a truthful manner.

What is your biggest achievement in the last five years as Lokayukta?

I have taken an oath that I will never leave any file behind. So, I dispose every file before I go to home irrespective of the time consumed. This gives me great satisfaction that I am discharging my duties in a rightful manner.