Sun Nov 17 16:59:39 UTC 2024: ## Lokayukta Seeks Increased Manpower to Tackle Mounting Caseload
**Kalaburagi, Karnataka – November 17, 2024** – Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa has expressed serious concern over the overwhelming number of pending cases before the Karnataka Lokayukta, urging the state government to bolster the institution’s resources. Addressing a media conference in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Justice Veerappa revealed that over 20,000 cases are currently awaiting resolution. Despite hearing cases for eight hours daily, the backlog continues to grow.
Justice Veerappa stated that a proposal seeking increased manpower and improved infrastructure will soon be submitted to the government. He highlighted the immense workload facing the Lokayukta – one Lokayukta and two Upa-Lokayuktas are responsible for addressing the grievances of seven crore people across the state, with each Upa-Lokayukta covering 15 districts.
During a three-day public hearing tour in Kalaburagi, Justice Veerappa visited various locations, including the Bahamani Fort, government schools, and the central jail, to assess the performance of public servants. He issued a two-month ultimatum for the cleaning of the Bahamani Fort premises, threatening a suo moto case if improvements are not made. On the first day of the hearing, he received 350 petitions, resolving 70 on the spot. Justice Veerappa also commended the Indian judiciary’s performance while noting that manpower shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and lengthy legal processes contribute to delays in justice delivery. The Deputy Commissioner, City Police Commissioner, and other senior officials were present at the media conference.
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