Uttar Pradesh’s governor Ram Naik has justified his decision to return the files related to new Lokayukta’s appointment in the state.
Naik, also a senior BJP leader, said, “Yes it’s true that I’ve returned Lokayukta file back. But that’s because formalities were to be completed.”
An official spokesperson of the Raj Bhavan said, “Governor examined the communication sent again by CM for selection of Lokayukta and found that provisions of Section 3 of Lokayukta and UP-Lokayukta Act 1975 were not completed as per law.”
According to the Lokayukta Act 1975, the approval of both the opposition leader and the Chief Justice of the High Court is mandatory for the appointment to go through. Both the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court and Governor are believed to be against the government’s choice, but Akhilesh Yadav appears determined to appoint Justice Ravindra Singh Yadav for the post.
Naik is in direct confrontation with the state government headed by Akhilesh Yadav on the appointment of new Lokayukta in the state.
The cabinet on Tuesday had unanimously agreed on Justice Yadav’s name as new Lokayukta and had sent a file in this regard. Justice Yadav is a serving judge at Allahabad High Court.
Present Lokayukta, Justice NK Mehrotra, whose term ended on March 15, 2012, continues to hold office despite the apex court giving Akhilesh government six-months to find his replacement April 2014. A PIL was also filed in the Supreme Court last month requesting the removal of Justice Mehrotra.