Nainital: The appointment of Lokayukta and the functioning of the Lokayukta institution in Uttarakhand has come under strict scrutiny by the Nainital High Court. The court has ordered the state government to submit its response within three weeks. The Nainital High Court has also directed the government to file an additional affidavit. Through this affidavit, the government needs to explain what steps it has taken so far for the appointment of Lokayukta. Additionally, the affidavit should include a detailed account of the expenditure incurred annually until March 31, 2023, towards the establishment of the institution. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for May 8.
It is noteworthy that the Uttarakhand Lokayukta was established in 2002, and Syed Raza Abbas became the first Lokayukta of the state. In 2008, MM Ghildiyal was appointed as the second Lokayukta. In 2011, the then government led by Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri had passed the Lokayukta Bill in the assembly. The bill aimed to bring the Chief Minister, ministers, and officials under the purview of the Lokayukta. The Lokayukta bill also received approval from the President. During this time, there was a change in government in Uttarakhand, with the Congress coming to power and Vijay Bahuguna becoming the Chief Minister.
The appointment of the second Lokayukta had raised several questions in the past, and the matter is still unresolved. The Nainital High Court has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the state government provides an explanation for the delay in the appointment of Lokayukta. The High Court has also sought a detailed account of the expenditure incurred towards the establishment of the institution.
The role of the Lokayukta is vital in ensuring transparency in governance and addressing issues of corruption. The institution of Lokayukta has been established in several states across India to act as an ombudsman and investigate complaints of corruption against public servants. In Uttarakhand, the appointment of the Lokayukta is still pending, and the state government needs to take immediate steps to ensure the functioning of the institution.
The Nainital High Court has directed the state government to provide an explanation for the delay in the appointment of the Lokayukta and the expenditure incurred towards the establishment of the institution. The institution of Lokayukta is crucial in ensuring transparency in governance and addressing issues of corruption. The state government must take immediate steps to ensure the functioning of the institution.
