Renowned former Supreme Court Judge N Santosh Hegde expressed deep disappointment on Friday regarding the recent arrest of Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money-laundering case related to excise policy.
Hegde, who previously served as the Solicitor General of India, was a prominent figure alongside Kejriwal during the 'India Against Corruption' movement led by Anna Hazare over a decade ago. This movement played a pivotal role in bringing the issue of corruption to the forefront of public discourse.
Reflecting on the case against Kejriwal, Hegde remarked, "It clearly demonstrates how the allure of power can lead to moral downfall. I am utterly disillusioned. I had hoped that the AAP, upon attaining power, would champion administrative integrity, but alas, that seems to be lacking. It serves as a stark reminder that power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Having distanced himself from the movement when it transitioned into a political party (AAP), Hegde, the former Lokayukta of Karnataka, explained his decision, stating, "My decision to disassociate was driven by the realization that contemporary politics is rife with corruption, with no party immune to its influence. While the India Against Corruption movement aimed to combat administrative corruption, I harbored doubts about its efficacy in purifying the political landscape. The current state of affairs within the AAP validates my apprehensions."
Hegde disclosed that Kejriwal had personally approached him to join the AAP, but he declined the offer.
Commenting on allegations frequently leveled by opposition parties against the BJP-led NDA government regarding the alleged misuse of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in corruption cases, Hegde offered his perspective. "While the opposition accuses the ruling party of orchestrating these actions to decimate dissent, I am inclined to disagree. Admittedly, there appears to be selective targeting, but such actions do not contravene any legal statutes. Moreover, in criminal law, the principle of absolute equality does not apply. Eventually, power dynamics will shift, and those currently in opposition will employ similar tactics. This, in a way, contributes to a semblance of justice being upheld."
Looking ahead to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Hegde emphasized the importance of every eligible citizen exercising their franchise. "Vote based solely on the merit of the candidate, devoid of any considerations of caste or political affiliations. If none of the candidates align with your vision for the constituency, utilize the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option. This sends a powerful message to political parties that mere incumbency or popularity does not equate to suitability for public office."
