Advocate complains to Lokayukta over Karnataka Excise Minister's 'offer respectfully' remark

An advocate in Hassan has moved the Karnataka Lokayukta against Excise Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda over his recent remark that people could offer money "respectfully" to officers for the service they render.

M.D. Gopala Gowda filed the complaint at the Lokayukta police office in Hassan on September 21. Speaking to reporters, he said the Minister had openly suggested that people pay bribes to officers, and that the statement would attract the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A video clip of the Minister's speech was submitted along with the complaint.

The remark was made on September 19 during a Praja Seva Andolana meeting at Sakleshpur, where the Minister told the gathering that money could be offered "respectfully" to officers for work done and that doing so was dharma. The clip circulated widely and drew criticism from several quarters.

Hassan Lokayukta Superintendent of Police B.N. Nandini said the complaint had been received, but that it could be registered only after clearance from the head office. "We have sent it to the head office in Bengaluru. We will act further on the complaint only after getting a response from the head office," she said.

Former minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna also took exception to the statement, asking what recourse people had when the minister in charge of the district himself suggested offering a bribe "respectfully". He added that services in the district could not be obtained without paying a bribe.