New Delhi: Expressing concern over the delay in appointment of Lokayukta in Odisha, the Supreme Court Wednesday sought appearance of Odisha Chief Secretary before it at the next hearing.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi rapped the state government for delay in the appointment of Lokayukta and asked the Chief Secretary to appear before the court and apprise the bench about the timeframe needed for the whole process.
During the hearing, the state government filed an affidavit mentioning the measures taken by it regarding the appointment. However, the bench expressed dissatisfaction over the state government’s affidavit which did not contain the timeframe.
The state government told the apex court on affidavit that it was in the process of forming a selection committee for which it has obtained the consent of Odisha High Court Chief Justice to officiate as its member.
Thereafter, a meeting of chairperson and member was convened October 6 and, on their recommendations and Governor’s approval a notification has been issued on nomination of the member of the selection panel. The Odisha government shall take immediate steps to constitute a search committee for empanelment of names for consideration of the selection committee. On the basis of its recommendation Lokayukta shall be appointed soon. “Therefore, the deponent prays that the court may grant more time to Odisha to complete the process,” it added. Notably, SC July 10 directed the state to complete the process of appointment for Lokayukta within three months, which comes to October 10. However, the state failed to complete the procedure within the stipulated time.
