While transparency in administration and Corruption free Governance has been our urgent need and demand, the very draconian and retrograde manner in which the Goa Government is moving ahead is a matter of great concern.
The powers and rights of constitutionally established authorities cannot be subdued or curbed by misusing the current brute majority which has been acquired by unethical and illegal defections. Amending the Goa Lokayukta Act to allow a retired High Court Judge to be eligible for the post of Lokayukta is a step in the right direction. But all the other mind-boggling amendments malafidely proposed are so high-handed and very objectionable as it would defeat the very purpose and intent that the Goa Lokayukta Act was enacted and its mandate. It is imperative that the Lokayukta is empowered with the right powers and teeth to tackle the current rampant corruption and maladministration prevalent in the State. Former Goa Lokayukta Justice P.K. Misra after examining the Lokayukta Act had suggested various amendments to strengthen the current weak Act. But instead the amendments now approved by the cabinet would render the Lokayukta absolutely toothless and powerless while giving public officials a jolly free hand to continue indulging in impermissible acts of gross Corruption and dereliction of duty. Eroding the powers of the Lokayukta is an irreversible downward spiral to bad Governance. And if this is the intent of the government it would be well advised not to waste taxpayer’s money in further running the Institution of the Goa Lokayukta as it would serve no meaningful purpose whatsoever. Instead of stifling the Lokayukta and rendering it farcical, the government should repeal the Goa Lokayukta Act so that corruption and maladministration in governance continues unchecked and unabated which would supplement the now Drug, Prostitution and Gambling den that our once admired Paradise of the East is currently notoriously known for globally. Gregg Olsen had very aptly said ‘*Change happens through example and not through just talking about it’. *And this is exactly what Justice P.K.Misra did right from the day he took over as Lokayukta of Goa till his very retirement. While leading an exemplary life with the utmost form of ethical conduct, Justice Misra kept away from socializing in any form as he was of the opinion that as Lokayukta it was not proper for him to mingle and jingle with politicians and public officials whose acts of omission and commission he had to oversee. The Judiciary in Goa could never find a better role model than Justice P.K Misra, who firmly felt that clean persons in black robes are required to uphold the independence and the integrity of the judiciary. He was a Judge who always bluntly spoke his mind and never ever minced words in what he had to communicate. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com