The Issue of appointing new Lokayukta has become more complex since the Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik returned the file concerning the appointment of New Lokayukta in the state with request to Chief Minister to provide more information on the matter. According to Raj Bhawan Press release issued last evening Governor Ram Naik has desired that the files containing all communications between Chief Minister and Chief Justice of High Court and leader of Opposition in the State Legislate Assembly should be made available to him as soon as possible so that decision for new Lokayukta could be taken.
Meanwhile a new bench of Allahabad High Court will hear a PIL today on the same issue of selecting new Lokayukta in the state.
As per the Lokayukta Act in the selection process of Lokayukta, leader of opposition in the State Assembly and Chief Justice of High Court are important figures. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh also wants details of relevant papers and notes on file. At a stage when several cases of corruption and irregularities are pending in the court, the appointment of Lokayukta is crucial.
The finalization of Lokayukta without Chief Justice of High Court, certainly raise doubts about government intentions. Earlier, the state cabinet had favored the appointment of recently retired judge of Allahabad High Court justice Ravindra Singh Yadav as the new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh.