B. S. Patil
Bhimanagouda Sanganagouda Patil, simply known as B. S. Patil is an Indian jurist and former judge of the Karnataka High Court who currently serves as the Lokayukta of Karnataka.[1] He assumed office as Karnataka's Lokayukta on 15 June 2022, taking oath in Kannada at a formal ceremony held at the Glass House of Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru.[2]
Judicial career
[edit]Patil was a judge of the Karnataka High Court for several years before his retirement, where he was recognized for his expertise in constitutional law and administrative jurisprudence. During his tenure on the High Court bench, he was known for his judicial acumen and commitment to upholding constitutional principles.[3]
Following his retirement from the Karnataka High Court, Patil was appointed as Upalokayukta (Deputy Lokayukta) of Karnataka in November 2019, marking his strategic entry into the state's anti-corruption institutional framework.[4]
Appointment as Lokayukta
[edit]The position of Karnataka Lokayukta had remained vacant for five months following the retirement of P. Vishwanath Shetty in January 2022, creating an institutional gap in the state's anti-corruption machinery.[5] Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai recommended Patil's appointment as Lokayukta following the constitutionally mandated consultation process with the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, the Chairman of the Legislative Council, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.[6]
The appointment was formally confirmed by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who administered the oath of office in a ceremony attended by senior government officials and judicial personalities.[7] The ceremony marked the restoration of Karnataka's apex anti-corruption institution after months of vacancy.
Tenure as Lokayukta
[edit]Patil immediately identified critical institutional weaknesses upon assuming office. In December 2023, he publicly disclosed that the Karnataka Lokayukta office was operating with 600 to 700 staff vacancies, representing a significant administrative challenge.[8] Despite these staffing constraints, he emphasized that the office's core functions—investigations, spot inspections, and grievance redressal—continued without disruption, demonstrating effective crisis management.
Patil has pioneered direct intervention in environmental governance issues, particularly focusing on Bengaluru's urban lake ecosystem. In August 2024, he conducted personal field inspections of multiple lakes in the city and issued direct orders to municipal officials for the removal of illegal encroachments.[9] His office has become a focal point for environmental grievances, with numerous complaints about lake mismanagement and inadequate official responses to environmental violations.
Under Patil's leadership, the Lokayukta has maintained an aggressive stance against corruption in public utilities and government departments. In December 2024, he personally supervised raids on four strategic offices, including facilities operated by BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) and BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) in the Yelahanka division, which uncovered significant administrative irregularities.[10]
Patil has demonstrated zero tolerance for internal corruption within the Lokayukta system itself. In March 2024, shortly after assuming full operational control, he took decisive action by removing a chief engineer from active duties due to pending corruption cases, signaling his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of institutional integrity.[11]
External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "B.S. Patil is Karnataka's new Lokayukta". The Hindu. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Karnataka: Justice B S Patil is the new Lokayukta". Siasat Daily. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "B S Patil sworn in as Lokayukta of Karnataka". Current Affairs Adda247. 17 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "PIL Challenges Appointment Of Karnataka Upa-Lokayukta Claiming There Was No Consultation With Chief Justice". Live Law. 2 December 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Justice B S Patil takes oath as Karnataka Lokayukta". Deccan Herald. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Justice Bhimanagouda Sanganagouda Patil appointed as Karnataka Lokayukta". The Print. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Former Karnataka HC Judge B.S. Patil takes charge as new Lokayukta". Star of Mysore. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Have written to govt to fill vacant posts, says Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B S Patil". Deccan Herald. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B S Patil inspects lakes in Bengaluru, directs officials to remove encroachments". Deccan Herald. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Lokayukta raids reveal irregularities in BESCOM, BWSSB offices". Deccan Herald. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Days after appointment, Lokayukta shunts out chief engineer over pending cases". The Times of India. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2025.