Any individual or organisation acting detrimentally to public interest will be kept in check: Karnataka Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty

Shashi Kiran Shetty was appointed as the new Advocate General for Karnataka after a change of government following the State Assembly elections in May this year..In this interview with Bar & Bench's Siddesh MS, originally conducted in Kannada, Shetty speaks on his priorities as AG, the government's stance on radical elements and more..Siddesh MS (SM): On your new appointment as Advocate General, what are your priorities?.Shashikiran Shetty (SS): The State is the biggest litigant today, with a magnitude of diverse cases. My focus in the early days is to understand the width, breadth and depth of the matters, and streamline the system. Effective case management can go a long way in improving the system. The idea is to reduce litigation and ensure speedy disposal of cases while not compromising on justice. My attention will not only be focussed on speedy dispensation of justice by devising new mechanisms, but also increasing accessibility to the system.One of my goals is to better integrate technology within our systems, to improve efficacy and organisation. This year, the office of the Advocate General has initiated various plans to adopt modern technology and digital systems to streamline its processes. In this regard, the process of upgradation of LAN network and providing computer systems to all law officers and ministerial staff of this office at Bengaluru and unit offices at Dharwad and Kalburgi is underway. .SM: What changes can the legal community look forward to?.SS: First and foremost, you can be certain that I am always accessible and available to hear any suggestions. I’m happy to take any inputs to improve the system and make the best use of my position to benefit the community. No grievance will go unheard and the attempt is to collectively move forward. One of the basic issues I would like to address is the infrastructure facilities in our courts. Advocates spend the large part of their day in court and it is important to provide them with spaces and facilities to comfortably work during this time. I plan to review the existing facilities for food, water, common working spaces and restrooms. Besides that, I think there is an urgent need to update and digitise the High Court library and ensure ease of access for our advocates.Legal education and training programmes are the need of the hour. Focussing on this would have a positive impact on the quality of practice and on our young and upcoming advocates. Further, I’m exploring avenues to encourage and support junior lawyers. The initial years in litigation can be daunting and support during this time would be very valuable. I plan to give as many opportunities as possible for students from a wide spectrum of colleges to intern at our office and gain insight into the field of litigation, in the hope to nurture early interest in litigation and particularly, public work. .SM: What are the challenges that come with a change in government?.SS: Every government has different visions and ideas for the future and for the State. They will act on the mandate which has secured the will of the people. My role in this regard will be to advise and defend the government on various legal issues before the High Court and the Supreme Court. I am taking stock of all the important cases which are pending before the High Court and the Supreme Court so that we are well prepared and can put our best foot forward. .SM: The Congress manifesto said that radical organizations including the Bajrang Dal will be banned and moral policing will be put to an end. What other advice would you give to the government in terms of law and order?.SS: The manifesto must be read in the right perspective. The ultimate concern sought to be addressed was the peaceful co-existence of all members of our society. Any individual or organisation which may act detrimental to the interest of public will be kept in check. The framers of the Constitution have kept the myriad interests and nature of our country in mind while drafting the Constitution. This diversity is reflected in our Constitution, and peaceful co-existence of all communities and classes has been the ultimate goal of the Constitution. .SM: Congress leaders have said that policy decisions and controversial laws taken by the BJP government will be reviewed. What would be your suggestion as Advocate General for this?.SS: The government of the day is voted in by a democratic process and their promises in the manifesto were able to secure the mandate. It is now the decision of the present government to review or not to review existing regulations, keeping in mind their policy and manifesto. My duty will be to guide and advise, such that the decisions taken are within the four walls of law, and to serve as a custodian of Constitutional values..SM: The Congress party had a stand against the previous government on issues like hijab, internal reservation, ban on cow slaughter and conversion. But how do you resolve these issues since they have gone so far in court?.SS: As rightly pointed out by you, these are significant matters which are being deliberated on by our courts. Thus, it will not be right for me to express my views on the issues at this juncture, when the matters are sub judice. Each matter is very sensitive and the decisions will be taken in due course of time..SM: A resolution was passed that the opinion of the KPCC Legal Unit should be sought regarding the appointment of government prosecutors, AAGs, AGAs and government pleaders. What do you think about this?.SS: There is no issue in taking suggestions from the KPCC Legal Unit for appointments, subject to their eligibility. The final selection will be made depending on the eligibility and experience of the advocates. In fact, we welcome suggestions regarding good counsel from any quarter, including the KPCC legal unit. The aim is to secure a good team to effectively represent the State..SM: When Siddaramaiah's previous government started the Indira Canteen scheme, a sitting MP had filed a PIL alleging that permission was not obtained from the Food Corporation of India. Similarly, after the guidelines for the five guarantee schemes of the Congress have been enacted, there is a possibility of that they will be challenged in court. How do you deal with this?.SS: The schemes proposed by the present government seek to cater to the socially and economically backward sections of society, who are the most neglected and overlooked. The guarantees proposed by the government have the potential to significantly uplift the poorest of the poor. I think that this is a remarkable endeavour and needs as much support as possible. Moreover, I think there is a need to shift how we view these guarantees. They are not freebies or favours, but rather basic human rights that fall within the purview of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by our Constitution and are in line with the vision of the Directive Principles of State Policy. I will work towards ensuring that the policies framed in this regard do not run askew of the law.These schemes look towards not merely improving an individual’s quality of life, but also increasing their day-to-day dignity and furthering self-reliance as well as economic growth in the long run. The money that they may save by securing the benefit of these guarantees can now be directed towards accessing better education, healthcare and so on. It’s also interesting to note that not many people have any issue with the massive tax-breaks, grants and subsidies handed to large MNCs and corporate bodies, but seem to be irked by proposals that look to advance those without access to the corridors of power.