N. Santosh Hegde - Revision history

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	==Career==		==Career==
	After completing apprenticeship training, Hegde enrolled as an advocate in January 1966 and was designated as senior advocate in May 1984. He was appointed as the [[Advocate General]] for the state of Karnataka in February 1984 and held that position till August 1988. He worked as additional [[Solicitor General of India\|Solicitor General]] of the union of India from December 1989 to November 1990 and was re-appointed as the Solicitor General of India on 25~~-04-~~1998. Nitte Santosh Hegde was appointed as a judge of Supreme Court of India on ~~08-01-~~1999. He retired as judge of [[Supreme Court of India]] in June 2005. He was conferred honorary doctorate of law degree by [[Mangalore University]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021116100300.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008003601/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021116100300.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2009-10-08 \|title=Honorary doctorate for Santosh Hegde\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|location=Chennai, India \|date=2006-02-11}}</ref> For a brief period he worked as Chairperson of Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi. Hegde was of the view that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was not the authority for dispute resolution between customers and telecommunication service providers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/150issue/106120734.asp\|title=Justice Santosh Hegde\|accessdate=2009-09-07\|publisher=Voice&Data\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516151953/http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/150issue/106120734.asp\|archivedate=16 May 2010}}</ref> He was appointed as Lokayukta of Karnataka state on 3 August 2006 for a term of five years.		After completing apprenticeship training, Hegde enrolled as an advocate in January 1966 and was designated as senior advocate in May 1984. He was appointed the [[Advocate General]] for the state of Karnataka in February 1984 and held that position till August 1988. He worked as additional [[Solicitor General of India\|Solicitor General]] of the union of India from December 1989 to November 1990 and was re-appointed the Solicitor General of India on 25 April 1998. Nitte Santosh Hegde was appointed a judge of Supreme Court of India on 8 January 1999. He retired as judge of [[Supreme Court of India]] in June 2005. He was conferred honorary doctorate of law degree by [[Mangalore University]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021116100300.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008003601/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021116100300.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2009-10-08 \|title=Honorary doctorate for Santosh Hegde\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|location=Chennai, India \|date=2006-02-11}}</ref> For a brief period he worked as Chairperson of Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi. Hegde was of the view that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was not the authority for dispute resolution between customers and telecommunication service providers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/150issue/106120734.asp\|title=Justice Santosh Hegde\|accessdate=2009-09-07\|publisher=Voice&Data\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516151953/http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/150issue/106120734.asp\|archivedate=16 May 2010}}</ref> He was appointed Lokayukta of Karnataka state on 3 August 2006 for a term of five years.

	==Major anti-corruption cases and investigations as Lok Ayukta of Karnataka==		==Major anti-corruption cases and investigations as Lok Ayukta of Karnataka==
	The Lok Ayukta had exposed major irregularities in mines in Bellary, including those owned by [[Obulapuram Mining Company]] and by [[G. Karunakara Reddy]], [[G. Janardhana Reddy]] and [[G. Somashekara Reddy]] who were ministers in the [[Government of Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|title=Reddys have the last laugh, national mines regulator has both hands tied\|accessdate=2010-06-24\|work=[[The Indian Express]]\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121093722/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|archivedate=21 January 2012}}</ref> He has expressed concern about [[illegal mining in India\|illegal mining]] taking place in state of Karnataka which have deep repercussions for ecology and to exchequer of state.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717100950/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2009-07-17 \|title=Illegal mining: Lokayukta slams Government\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|location=Chennai, India \|date=2009-07-14}}</ref> A report constituted by the Lok Ayukta uncovered major violations and [[systemic corruption]] in iron-ore mining in Bellary. There were violations in the allowed geography, encroachment of forest land, massive underpayment of state mining royalties relative to the market price of iron ore and systematic starvation of government mining entities. The damage to public interest was so serious that he recommended banning all exports of iron ore and limiting iron ore production for captive production of iron and steel<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|access-date=30 June 2010\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911193605/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|archive-date=11 September 2012\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Full Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120919080810/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|archivedate=19 September 2012}}</ref>		The Lok Ayukta had exposed major irregularities in mines in Bellary, including those owned by [[Obulapuram Mining Company]] and by [[G. Karunakara Reddy]], [[G. Janardhana Reddy]] and [[G. Somashekara Reddy]] who were ministers in the [[Government of Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|title=Reddys have the last laugh, national mines regulator has both hands tied\|accessdate=2010-06-24\|work=[[The Indian Express]]\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121093722/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|archivedate=21 January 2012}}</ref> He has expressed concern about [[illegal mining in India\|illegal mining]] taking place in state of Karnataka which have deep repercussions for ecology and to exchequer of state.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717100950/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2009-07-17 \|title=Illegal mining: Lokayukta slams Government\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|location=Chennai, India \|date=2009-07-14}}</ref> A report constituted by the Lok Ayukta uncovered major violations and [[systemic corruption]] in iron-ore mining in Bellary. There were violations in the allowed geography, encroachment of forest land, massive underpayment of state mining royalties relative to the market price of iron ore and systematic starvation of government mining entities. The damage to public interest was so serious that he recommended banning all exports of iron ore and limiting iron ore production for captive production of iron and steel.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|access-date=30 June 2010\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911193605/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|archive-date=11 September 2012\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Full Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120919080810/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|archivedate=19 September 2012}}</ref>

	==Controversies==		==Controversies==
	* He was alleged to have pressured Chief Minister of Karnataka to remove then [[Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike]] (BBMP) commissioner S. Subramanya.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/38520/print \|title= Under fire BBMP chief edged out\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> Subramanya was heading the BBMP which was held responsible for bad maintenance of Bangalore, including drowning accidents during monsoon.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Subramanya-shunted-out-of-BBMP/articleshow/4647054.cms \|title= Subramanya shunted out of BBMP\|accessdate= 2010-06-30 \|work=[[The Times of India]]\|date=2009-06-12}}</ref>		* He was alleged to have pressured Chief Minister of Karnataka to remove then [[Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike]] (BBMP) commissioner S. Subramanya.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/38520/print \|title=Under fire BBMP chief edged out \|accessdate=2009-09-07 \|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] \|archive-date=23 July 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723012837/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/38520/print \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Subramanya was heading the BBMP which was held responsible for bad maintenance of Bangalore, including drowning accidents during monsoon.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Subramanya-shunted-out-of-BBMP/articleshow/4647054.cms \|title= Subramanya shunted out of BBMP\|accessdate= 2010-06-30 \|work=[[The Times of India]]\|date=2009-06-12}}</ref>
	* Some people have questioned his political motives in timing his resignation a day before a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) state government convention, though he has not been aligned with any particular political party over the course of his career.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266117 \|title=Karnataka: Lokayukta: How Many Seas...: A good man goes, head held high. Ethical cleansing in reverse?\|accessdate= 2010-07-05 \|work=Outlook}}</ref>		* Some people have questioned his political motives in timing his resignation a day before a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) state government convention, though he has not been aligned with any particular political party over the course of his career.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266117 \|title=Karnataka: Lokayukta: How Many Seas...: A good man goes, head held high. Ethical cleansing in reverse?\|accessdate= 2010-07-05 \|work=Outlook}}</ref>

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← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 29 December 2021
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	==Major anti-corruption cases and investigations as Lok Ayukta of Karnataka==		==Major anti-corruption cases and investigations as Lok Ayukta of Karnataka==
	The Lok Ayukta had exposed major irregularities in mines in Bellary, including those owned by [[Obulapuram Mining Company]] and by [[G. Karunakara Reddy]], [[G. Janardhana Reddy]] and [[G. Somashekara Reddy]] who were ministers in the [[Government of Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|title=Reddys have the last laugh, national mines regulator has both hands tied\|accessdate=2010-06-24\|work=[[The Indian Express]]\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121093722/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|archivedate=21 January 2012}}</ref> He has expressed concern about [[illegal mining in India\|illegal mining]] taking place in state of Karnataka which have deep repercussions for ecology and to exchequer of state.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717100950/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2009-07-17 \|title=Illegal mining: Lokayukta slams Government\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|location=Chennai, India \|date=2009-07-14}}</ref> A report constituted by the Lok Ayukta uncovered major violations and [[systemic corruption]] in iron-ore mining in Bellary. There were violations in the allowed geography, encroachment of forest land, massive underpayment of state mining royalties relative to the market price of iron ore and systematic starvation of government mining entities. The damage to public interest was so serious that he recommended banning all exports of iron ore and limiting iron ore production for captive production of iron and steel<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|access-date=30 June 2010\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911193605/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|archive-date=11 September 2012\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Full Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120919080810/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|archivedate=19 September 2012}}</ref>		The Lok Ayukta had exposed major irregularities in mines in Bellary, including those owned by [[Obulapuram Mining Company]] and by [[G. Karunakara Reddy]], [[G. Janardhana Reddy]] and [[G. Somashekara Reddy]] who were ministers in the [[Government of Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|title=Reddys have the last laugh, national mines regulator has both hands tied\|accessdate=2010-06-24\|work=[[The Indian Express]]\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121093722/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/\|archivedate=21 January 2012}}</ref> He has expressed concern about [[illegal mining in India\|illegal mining]] taking place in state of Karnataka which have deep repercussions for ecology and to exchequer of state.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717100950/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2009-07-17 \|title=Illegal mining: Lokayukta slams Government\|accessdate= 2009-09-07 \|work=[[The Hindu]] \|location=Chennai, India \|date=2009-07-14}}</ref> A report constituted by the Lok Ayukta uncovered major violations and [[systemic corruption]] in iron-ore mining in Bellary. There were violations in the allowed geography, encroachment of forest land, massive underpayment of state mining royalties relative to the market price of iron ore and systematic starvation of government mining entities. The damage to public interest was so serious that he recommended banning all exports of iron ore and limiting iron ore production for captive production of iron and steel<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|access-date=30 June 2010\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911193605/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp\|archive-date=11 September 2012\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|title=Santosh Hegde Full Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'\|work=Tehelka\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120919080810/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp\|archivedate=19 September 2012}}</ref>

	However, motive and hidden agenda behind Hegde's unusual intensive and invasive action against Reddys, are their political rivalry with Reddy's even during his father's tenure, See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._S._Hegde. And many news articles reported the same during the period of investigation against Reddys. Adding to it is and culmination of communalism against telugus, favouring other kannadiga mining barons. Hegde did not have nabbed any of the kannadigas indulging in illegal mining. Origin of this fight in Bellari is the divisive politics adopted by then central government dominated by north Indians, in the division of state boundary. Earlier Ballari district was part of Rayalaseema, a region in today's state Andhra Pradesh. Mining license allocation policy from Central govt was based on Political Nepotism rather than merit. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballari_district.

	==Controversies==		==Controversies==
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	[[Category:Indian anti-corruption activists]]		[[Category:Indian anti-corruption activists]]
	[[Category:Senior Advocates in India]]		[[Category:Senior Advocates in India]]
	[[Category:~~Lokayuktas~~]]		[[Category:Ombudsmen in India]]
	[[Category:Corruption in Karnataka]]		[[Category:Corruption in Karnataka]]
	[[Category:20th-century Indian lawyers]]		[[Category:20th-century Indian lawyers]]
	[[Category:Activists from Karnataka]]		[[Category:Activists from Karnataka]]

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{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox judge
| honorific-prefix = Hon'ble Justice
| name = Nitte Santosh Hegde
| image = Santhosh hedge.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| office = [[Karnataka Lokayukta]]
| term_start = 3 August 2006
| term_end = 3 August 2011
| predecessor = [[N. Venkatachala]]
| successor = [[Shivaraj Patil]]
| office1 = Judge, [[Supreme Court of India]]
| term_start1 = 8 January 1999
| term_end1 = 16 June 2005
| office2 = [[Solicitor General of India]]
| term_start2 = 10 April 1998
| term_end2 = 7 January 1999
| predecessor2 = [[T. R. Andhyarujina]]
| successor2 = [[Harish Salve]]
| office3 = Advocate General for Karnataka
| term_start3 = 15 February 1984
| term_end3 = 24 August 1988
| predecessor3 = R. N. Narasimha Murthy
| successor3 = R. N. Narasimha Murthy
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1940|06|16|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Nitte]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]<br/> (now in [[Karnataka]], India)
| nationality = Indian
| alma_mater = [[University Law College]]
| spouse = Sharada
| father = [[K. S. Hegde]]
| occupation = Lawyer, activist
}}

'''Nitte Santosh Hegde''' (born 16 June 1940) is a former judge of the [[Supreme Court of India]], former [[Solicitor General of India]] and was [[Lokayukta]] ([[ombudsman]]) for [[Karnataka]] State of India from 2006 to 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-lokayukta-to-set-example/17592-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118052914/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-lokayukta-to-set-example/17592-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-11-18|title= Karnataka Lokayukta to set example|accessdate= 2011-08-03 |publisher=CNN-IBN}}</ref>

==Early life==
Santosh Hegde was born in a [[Tulu language|Tulu]]-speaking [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]]<ref name=daiji>{{cite news|last=Daijiworld Media Network|title=Mangalore: Justice Santosh Hegde Releases Book on Bunts' History, Culture|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=89086|accessdate=21 December 2011|newspaper=Daiji World|date=7 November 2010}}</ref> family to former judge of Supreme Court, Justice [[K. S. Hegde]] and his wife Meenakshi Hegde (née Adyanthaya). He is one of six children born to the couple.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/biodata_1_12/2392.htm |title=Parliament of India |access-date=28 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429075018/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/biodata_1_12/2392.htm |archive-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was born on 16 June 1940 in [[Nitte]], [[Udupi district]], [[Karnataka]]. He had his early education at [[St. Aloysius College, Mangalore]] and [[Madras Christian College]] in Madras. He completed his intermediate exam from [[St. Joseph's College, Bangalore]] and [[Bachelor of Science|BSc]] degree from [[Central College of Bangalore]]. Hegde graduated with a law degree from Government Law College (now known as [[University Law College]]), Bangalore in 1965.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kar.nic.in/lokayukta/newlok.pdf |title=Biodata of Justice Nitte Santosh Hegde |accessdate=2009-09-07 |publisher=kar.nic.in |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517060335/http://www.kar.nic.in/lokayukta/newlok.pdf |archivedate=17 May 2011}}</ref>

==Career==
After completing apprenticeship training, Hegde enrolled as an advocate in January 1966 and was designated as senior advocate in May 1984. He was appointed as the [[Advocate General]] for the state of Karnataka in February 1984 and held that position till August 1988. He worked as additional [[Solicitor General of India|Solicitor General]] of the union of India from December 1989 to November 1990 and was re-appointed as the Solicitor General of India on 25-04-1998. Nitte Santosh Hegde was appointed as a judge of Supreme Court of India on 08-01-1999. He retired as judge of [[Supreme Court of India]] in June 2005. He was conferred honorary doctorate of law degree by [[Mangalore University]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021116100300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008003601/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/11/stories/2006021116100300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-10-08 |title=Honorary doctorate for Santosh Hegde|accessdate= 2009-09-07 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |date=2006-02-11}}</ref> For a brief period he worked as Chairperson of Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi. Hegde was of the view that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was not the authority for dispute resolution between customers and telecommunication service providers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/150issue/106120734.asp|title=Justice Santosh Hegde|accessdate=2009-09-07|publisher=Voice&Data|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516151953/http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/150issue/106120734.asp|archivedate=16 May 2010}}</ref> He was appointed as Lokayukta of Karnataka state on 3 August 2006 for a term of five years.

==Major anti-corruption cases and investigations as Lok Ayukta of Karnataka==
The Lok Ayukta had exposed major irregularities in mines in Bellary, including those owned by [[Obulapuram Mining Company]] and by [[G. Karunakara Reddy]], [[G. Janardhana Reddy]] and [[G. Somashekara Reddy]] who were ministers in the [[Government of Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/|title=Reddys have the last laugh, national mines regulator has both hands tied|accessdate=2010-06-24|work=[[The Indian Express]]|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121093722/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Reddys-have-the-last-laugh-national-mines-regulator-has-both-hands-tied/592902/|archivedate=21 January 2012}}</ref> He has expressed concern about [[illegal mining in India|illegal mining]] taking place in state of Karnataka which have deep repercussions for ecology and to exchequer of state.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717100950/http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071461270100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-07-17 |title=Illegal mining: Lokayukta slams Government|accessdate= 2009-09-07 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |date=2009-07-14}}</ref> A report constituted by the Lok Ayukta uncovered major violations and [[systemic corruption]] in iron-ore mining in Bellary. There were violations in the allowed geography, encroachment of forest land, massive underpayment of state mining royalties relative to the market price of iron ore and systematic starvation of government mining entities. The damage to public interest was so serious that he recommended banning all exports of iron ore and limiting iron ore production for captive production of iron and steel<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp|title=Santosh Hegde Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'|work=Tehelka|access-date=30 June 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911193605/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410mining_lease.asp|archive-date=11 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp|title=Santosh Hegde Full Interview: 'Mining Lease Is Used As James Bond’s Gun'|work=Tehelka|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120919080810/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main44.asp?filename=Ne030410MiningLease_fullINT.asp|archivedate=19 September 2012}}</ref>

However, motive and hidden agenda behind Hegde's unusual intensive and invasive action against Reddys, are their political rivalry with Reddy's even during his father's tenure, See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._S._Hegde. And many news articles reported the same during the period of investigation against Reddys. Adding to it is and culmination of communalism against telugus, favouring other kannadiga mining barons. Hegde did not have nabbed any of the kannadigas indulging in illegal mining. Origin of this fight in Bellari is the divisive politics adopted by then central government dominated by north Indians, in the division of state boundary. Earlier Ballari district was part of Rayalaseema, a region in today's state Andhra Pradesh. Mining license allocation policy from Central govt was based on Political Nepotism rather than merit. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballari_district.

==Controversies==
* He was alleged to have pressured Chief Minister of Karnataka to remove then [[Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike]] (BBMP) commissioner S. Subramanya.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/38520/print |title= Under fire BBMP chief edged out|accessdate= 2009-09-07 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> Subramanya was heading the BBMP which was held responsible for bad maintenance of Bangalore, including drowning accidents during monsoon.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Subramanya-shunted-out-of-BBMP/articleshow/4647054.cms |title= Subramanya shunted out of BBMP|accessdate= 2010-06-30 |work=[[The Times of India]]|date=2009-06-12}}</ref>
* Some people have questioned his political motives in timing his resignation a day before a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) state government convention, though he has not been aligned with any particular political party over the course of his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?266117 |title=Karnataka: Lokayukta: How Many Seas...: A good man goes, head held high. Ethical cleansing in reverse?|accessdate= 2010-07-05 |work=Outlook}}</ref>

==Resignation from post of Lok Ayukta==
[[File:NSHegde.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Mr. Hegde at Freedom Park Bangalore supporting [[Anna Hazare]]'s protest for strong Jan Lokpal bill. This photograph was taken after his retirement as Lokayukta.]]
Hegde resigned from the Lokayukta position on 23 June 2010 after an officer (Deputy Conservator of Forests R Gokul) was suspended by order of minister [[J. Krishna Palemar]] and he felt powerless to help.<ref name=sify>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/i-was-helpless-in-protecting-an-honest-officer-news-national-kgxxS2haehe.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626125316/http://sify.com/news/i-was-helpless-in-protecting-an-honest-officer-news-national-kgxxS2haehe.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-06-26|title=I was helpless in protecting an honest officer|publisher=SIFY}}</ref> He expressed inability to be effective in his anti-corruption mandate owing to a non-cooperative [[Government of Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/77039/lokayukta-indicts-bsy-govt-quits.html| title= Lokayukta indicts BSY govt, quits |accessdate= 2010-06-24 |work=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref> After the resignation, he stated:
:A cabinet minister wanted an officer to be suspended for having exposed attempts to export illegal iron ore from Belekeri port that was seized by our team in a raid on 20 March. When the officer sought my help, I could not do anything. Besides this, all officers against whom I conducted raids and suspended, have been reinstated.<ref name=sify/>
Amid media speculation<ref name=hindu>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/25/stories/2010062553100400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630055159/http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/25/stories/2010062553100400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-06-30|title=Palemar says he meant no disrespect to the Lokayukta| location=Chennai, India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2010-06-25}}</ref> that the ports minister [[J. Krishna Palemar|Palemar]] had recommended Gokul's suspension on behalf of some politicians with business interests, Palemar defended his recommendation to suspend Gokul since he failed to attend a meeting, for it raised suspicions that he may be involved in the scam himself.<ref name=hindu/> In fact, in a press meeting, Hegde indicated that:
:The whole idea was if Gokul is suspended even for a day, a new investigating officer can be appointed and a scam of this stature which runs to thousands of crores can be shut. ... I couldn’t do anything for [Gokul] who had done the investigation going out of his way. I was very disturbed and couldn’t sleep for two days. I told my wife and decided to resign on Wednesday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/%E2%80%98iron-ore-scam-can-run-to-rs-2500-cr%E2%80%99/185165.html|title=Iron ore scam can runs to Rs 2,500 crore|publisher=[[Express Buzz]]}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The matter, which is being called the [[Belekeri port scam]], relates to 3.5 million tons of illegal iron ore, belonging to the powerful mining lobby headed by [[G. Janardhana Reddy]], that was ready to be exported from [[Belekeri port]]. After Gokul seized the ore and the high court refused to permit its export without appropriate papers, a large part of it was surreptitiously exported from the port.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/103073/India/cong-backs-hegde-and-alleges-bjpmafia-nexus.html |title=Cong 'backs' Hegde and alleges BJP-mafia nexus|work=India Today}}</ref> Hegde's resignation sought to underline the helplessness of the advisory post of the Lokayukta in such situations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/i-had-go-save-gokul-lokayukta-493|title=I had to go to save Gokul: Lokayukta|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>

After persistent protests and public pressure<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Karnataka-govt-faces-Hegde-heat/640273|title=Karnataka govt faces Hegde heat|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> [[Chief Minister of Karnataka|Karnataka Chief Minister]] [[Yeddyurappa]] admitted to an illegal iron-ore export racket at Belekeri Port involving 35 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/yeddyurappa-admits-iron-ore-racket/640829/|title=Yeddyurappa admits iron ore racket|work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

Justice Hegde withdrew his resignation and agreed to continue in the post of Lok Ayukta after persuasion from National leadership of the BJP. The party risked a major embarrassment in the BJP ruled Karnataka State government by allowing an upright person in public service to leave office,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Hegde-to-stay--says-can-t-ignore-father-like-Advani/641981/|title=Hegde to stay, says can’t ignore father-like Advani|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> though All India Congress Committee general secretary B K Hariprasad said that "Hegde's actions prove that he is a BJP man".<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/report/lokayukta-santosh-hegde-is-a-bjp-man-congress/20110615.htm Lokayukta Santosh Hegde is a BJP man: Congress], 15 June 2011 21:51 IST, Rediff.com</ref>

== Retirement and after==

He retired as Lokayukta of Karnataka on 2 August 2011. Subsequently, he joined the anti-corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare in 2011 as a core member of Team Anna. In August 2012, he left Team Anna and refused to be part of it after the team decided to go political.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/InterviewsNews/Refuse-to-be-part-of-Anna-s-party/Article1-911163.aspx|title=Refuse to be part of Anna's party|date=10 August 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810012036/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/InterviewsNews/Refuse-to-be-part-of-Anna-s-party/Article1-911163.aspx|archivedate=10 August 2012}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110214162709/http://www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in/judges/bio/102_nshegde.htm Profile] at [[Supreme Court of India]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110517060335/http://www.kar.nic.in/lokayukta/newlok.pdf N. Santosh Hegde, Profile] at ''[[Government of Karnataka]]'' website
* [http://newskarnataka.com/bangalore/lokayuktha-a-rehabilitation-post-for-retired-judges-justice-santhosh-hegde/ Lokayuktha, a 'rehabilitation post' for retired judges: Justice Santhosh Hegde- Newskarnataka.com]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hegde, Nitte Santhosh}}
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