Yeddyurappa is fooling the system: Justice Hegde

The crusade against corruption in Karnataka has reached a crescendo. The Lokayukta Police, in particular, have gone hammer and tongs against every second person in power and the arrest of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa is an eye opener as to how the system is functioning in the state.

Besides Yeddyurappa there are several other powerful persons who are under the scanner in Karnataka. Krishnaiah Shetty, Katta Subramanya Naidu and now Home Minister R Ashok -- all these persons are being probed by the Lokayukta police for denotifying lands.

Justice Santhosh Hegde, who actually set the ball rolling, says he feels happy to see some outcome in the crusade against corruption.

"I see this fight against corruption going well in Karnataka and there have been some positive developments in this regard. However, I only hope that the judiciary does not play truant in this fight against corruption," he told rediff.com.

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"The court would need to understand the gravity of the issues and deal very carefully on such matters. If the judiciary starts granting bail in all these cases then it would become very difficult to continue this battle," he added.

Justice Hegde further said, "In so far as Yeddyurappa is concerned I really wish the court takes cognisance of his actions, especially after he was sent to judicial custody. Look at the drama that took place after he was sent to judicial custody. It was nothing but mockery of the system and courts should deal firmly with this matter."

"He was doing nothing but fooling the system. The courts should view this very seriously. I don't think he has much of a chance today. He has to face the mining case as well and the consequences should be the same as well in this case too."

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On judicial activism

The former Lokayukta said, "These are serious matters at the end of the day. Don't be under the misconception that these are all easily bailable offences. Basically, the law states that offences punishable with two years or lesser sentence have a bail provision. Although corruption cases have a higher sentence they can be granted bail, but that is a discretion of the court."

"In my opinion when powerful personalities are involved courts should not grant bail easily. There is a need to isolate them, as they are capable of tampering with the evidence. While dealing with such matters the court should bear in mind that the normal course is jail and only in exceptions it is bail."

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On Team Anna

"It is very sad that the team is falling out this way. We cannot blame anyone but ourselves for this. I agree that we are all different kinds of people and we joined hands for a particular cause. You cannot expect all of us to have the same nature."

"The issue, however, is that each one is bringing in their personal views and this is causing an embarrassment to the team. Each one may have the right to express his opinion, but should ensure that certain sensitive areas should not be touched as it does cause a great deal of embrassment."

"The team members should be careful while making statements. Also, another issue that needs attention is the targeting of a political party. In my view, it was not fair to do that. Our fight is against corruption and not a political party."