Ensure Lokayukta appointment is made as per rules, BJP urges HC Chief Justice

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, August 7 

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta today requested Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini to ensure that the appointment of Delhi Lokayukta should be done as per the Delhi Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Act 1995.

In a letter to the HC Chief Justice, Gupta said Section 3 (1) (a) of the Delhi Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Act, 1995 stipulates that the appointment of the Lokayukta requires approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.

The BJP leader pointed out that the Delhi Government had reportedly decided to appoint the Lokayukta without following the procedure laid down in the Act.

As per rules, the Lokayukta has to be appointed within six months after the post falls vacant. However, the position has not been filled for the last 20 months. 

Even the present government, despite being in power for more than five months now, has not taken substantial steps towards filling up the post.  Gupta stressed that about 500 cases were already pending with the Lokayukta. 

In addition, about 25-30 complaints are received every month by the Office of the Lokayukta. It is, therefore, essential in the interest of good governance and removal of corruption that the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta are appointed without any further delay, he said. The senior leader said though the Government of Delhi in its short counter affidavit on July 23 had submitted before the High Court that it was firmly committed to implementing the Lokayukta Act, it is apprehended that the government might not follow the procedure laid down for the appointment of the Lokayukta.