New K'taka Lokayukta says he is up for the challenge

Justice Shivraj Patil, former Judge of the Supreme Court will replace Justice Santhosh Hegde as the next Lokayukta of Karnataka next month. Speaking for the first time after his name was cleared by the Karnataka administration for the post, Patil tells Vicky Nanjappa in this short interview, that he is up to the challenge.

How do you feel about being appointed the Lokayukta of Karnataka?

It is a good feeling. Let's see how it goes once I assume charge next month.

Were you expecting this or did it come as a surprise to you?

I would not say that I am surprised. I have a policy. I don't ask for anything in life. I gladly accept what comes to me, and I do my work to the best of my ability.

You come in at a very crucial time. Are up for the new challenge?

All these things do not matter. What matters is the work I do. I am ready for the challenge.

The illegal mining report will be out shortly. What role would you play regarding this once the report is out?

I don't think it would be right for me to comment on that now. I haven't assumed charge as of now, and it would be wrong for me to speak anything about it. I don't want to make statements just because I should, and would wait to assume charge and study the issue.

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Have you been following the developments around the Lokayukta office all these days?

I am as aware like everyone else. However, my job in that office would commence only once I take charge.

Do you think this report on illegal mining will be acted upon?

I cannot comment on that, sorry.

Do you think you did the right thing by accepting the post of Lokayukta?

I don't ever regret my decisions. I never stay away from challenges. I will do this job to the best of my ability.

You have donned a lot of hats. Is this the most challenging?

Each and every role has been challenging. I have never said no to any responsibility. The key issue is that each job has to be done well and right. No job is small or big. It just needs to be done right.