SC upholds appointment of Gujarat Lokayukta

January 6, 2013

In what is being seen as a setback to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi government, the apex court upheld the appointment of Justice R.A. Mehta as Lokayukta by the Governor as it was done in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court.

What is the issue?

The post of Lokayukta [anti-corruption ombudsman] in Gujarat was lying vacant for more than nine years. It was recently filled by the appointment of Justice (retd) R A Mehta as state Lokayukta by governor Kamla Beniwal. However, the Gujarat government contended the appointment by challenging it in the Supreme Court saying it was not consulted prior to the appointment. The apex court dismissed the plea, saying the governor is bound to act under the advice of the council of ministers, but the appointment of Justice Mehta is right as it was done in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat HC.

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