Ahmedabad: Despite the Supreme Court clearing his appointment as the Lokayukta of Gujarat, justice (Retired) R A Mehta in a letter to Gujarat governor kamala beniwal has said he will not take charge. The Lokayukta office of Gujarat, that has been lying vacant for almost 10 years, will have to wait for some more time to get an occupant.
In a letter to Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal and the government, Justice Mehta stated that he cannot assume the position in view of the mindset and attitude displayed by the state government. Justice (Retired) RA Mehta has withdrawn his consent for the appointment as the Gujarat Lokayukta and declined to assume the office.
“A Lokayukta unwanted by the government cannot get all the necessary and timely support from a reluctant government”, Justice Mehta said.It may be compared to the budget for the Lokayukta office or cvcn the high court (which deals with lacs of cases every year). It would be an eye-opener.”
Last month, the Supreme Court had rejected the Gujarat government’s curative petition seeking chief minister’s say in the appointment of Lokayukta as in Karnataka, paving the way for Justice Mehta to assume the prestigious office. The Modi government’s stand has been that appointment of Lokayukta by Governor Kamla Beniwal was “illegal” as it was done without consulting the state government.
“I may be called hyper-sensitive, touchy, timid, shirking and what not. Some may even allege that I have been won over, purchased, threatened and what not. I have very great respect for their views. I have been seriously considering it all along, but I could not persuade myself toaccept the office of Lokayukta,” he added. In conclusion, Justice Mehta wrote, “I humbly withdraw my consent for the appointment as the Gujarat lokayukta and decline to assume the office. Kindly accept my request and relieve me.”
Gujarat does not have Lokayukta since 2003.
Bureau Report
Leave a Reply