Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday requested Justice N Santosh Hegde, who resigned from the post of Lokayukta of Karnataka on June 23 over the manner in which the government had treated some of his reports, to reconsider his decision.
Justice Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge, was appointed Lokayukta -- Karnataka's top anti-corruption body -- four years ago by the (then) ruling BJP-Janata Dal-Secular combine. During his tenure, he prepared the controversial report on the mining lobby, which was never discussed or even placed in the Assembly.
"I requested Hegde not to press his resignation. The resignation will give greater encouragement and comfort to corrupt elements in Karnataka. Therefore in the interest of the people of Karnataka, he should not press his resignation" Chidambaram told him.
The Home Minister later told PTI that Hegde indicated he would consider his request.
In an interview with rediff.com, Justice hedge had said: "When I am unable to protect my own officers what is the point in me staying over? I am quitting since I myself feel helpless. There were some officers, who we had booked on corruption charges and these officers were brought back to the same position. That was a slap on the face of the Lokayukta. I am pretty upset that the government overlooked several of our requests. What is the point in me staying on in the same institution where I happen to be the "only angry face"? The government does not care; what is the deal in me staying over here?"