New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS): The institution of Lokayukta can function effectively only if there is an awareness in public of its role, judges said.

"There has to be a proper and broader understanding of the office of Lokayukta" and its "evolving jurisdiction has to be settled by the High Courts and the Supreme Court", said Justice Manmohan Sarin at a function here Tuesday to release the Compendium of the 11th All India Lokayuktas Conference.

"It is for the judiciary to innovate the expansion of the institution of Lokayukta in a bonafide and legal way coupled with the backing by credible media," said Justice Sarin, who Tuesday demitted office as Lokayukta of Delhi.

Observing that there has to be an awareness about the Lokayukta and credible media could immensely contribute in that endeavour, Justice Sarin said: "Once the recommendations are made (by Lokayukta) and media, after properly analyzing, put it before the people, then no government worth its salt can ignore it."

Advocating a "deep introspection" and the cleansing of the system, the apex court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur said: "We need to introspect whether institutions have failed us or we have failed the institutions."

Justice Lokur called for clearing the institutions and squarely facing the problems. He praised Justice Sarin for his initiative in organising the conference and meticulously conducting its proceedings.

Another apex court Judge, Justice A.K. Sikri said: "There can't be economic growth and good governance unless we have a corruption free society and the institution of Lokayukta has an important role to play in this direction."

Underlining the importance of public awareness, Justice Nandrajog said: "It is a public shame (that can make people in position to mend their ways) and if public shame does not work (in democracy), then possibly nothing else would work."