In an unprecedented move, Gujarat governor Kamla appointed retired judge Justice R.A. Mehta as the state Lokayukta bypassing the state government, which swiftly challenged the decision in the high court.
The governor’s decision late on Thursday night stoked a potential confrontation with the Narendra Modi government which had dithered on the issue of appointment of a Lokayukta for seven-and-a-half years.
The state government challenged the appointment to the Lokayukta post — vacant since 2003 — before the state high court contending it was “unconstitutional and unilateral”. Justice Mehta is a former judge of the Gujarat high court.
Non-appointment of Lokpal had become a contentious issue, with Opposition Congress and ruling BJP blaming each other for the delay.
“Although it is true that generally the Governor acts as per the aid and advice of the council of ministers headed by the chief minister, there might be a circumstance, where governor could not remain spectator to the happenings in the state and is compelled to use discretion,” a statement from the governor’s office said here on Friday. — PTI