Raising the issue of appointment of new lokayukta in the state, Governor Ram Naik has written letters to Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice D Y Chandrachud, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and leader of opposition Swami Prasad Maury asking them to start the process for selection of lokayukta and Deputy lokayukta in UP.
In a written statement, issued by Raj Bhawan here on THursday, Governor reminded all three of their constitutional responsibility and Supreme Court order of April 24, 2014 asking for new appointment of lokayukta within six months.
“As per the directives of the Supreme Court and Provision of law Chief Justice of High Court, CM and leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha should initiate process at their levels for appointment of lokayukta,” Naik said in his letters.
Naik had written the letter for the appointment of new lokayukta as the tenure of Retd. Justice N K Mehrotra ended on March 15, 2014.
A three member committee comprising Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, leader of the state Vidhan Sabha, which is Chief Minister and leader of Opposition in Vidhan sabha select lokayukta.
Prior to 2012 as per UP’s lokayukta Act lokayukta’s tenure was of six years. Akhilesh Yadav’s Government made amendments in the act and increased the tenure to eight years. It was also clarified that lokayukta would hold charge till new incumbent is appointed.
In the same amendment section 5(3) of the act was also changed by which present incumbent could also be re-appointed as lokayukta. Previously, the lokayukta was not allowed re-appointment.
Justice Mehrotra had taken charge as Sixth lokayukta of the state on March 16, 2006. His tenure ended on March 15, 2014 but as State Government has not appointed new lokauykta he is continuing.
Sources claim that during his recent visit to New Delhi Governor called on President of India Pranab Mukherjee and he apprised him of lokayukta issue. President had asked Governor to initiate process of appointment of new lokayukta and his letters to the members of the committee that will select new incumbent could be a step in this direction.