New Delhi
The Supreme Court announced its intent to establish guidelines for the consultation process involving chief ministers, chief justices of high courts, and opposition leaders in the appointment of Lokayuktas across states on Friday. This decision came following a plea challenging the appointment of the Lokayukta in Madhya Pradesh, citing lack of consultation with the leader of the opposition (LoP).
Highlighting the nationwide implications of the issue, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud emphasized the need for clear procedural modalities. The court stressed the importance of effective consultation, ensuring the LoP’s meaningful participation in the decision-making process.
The plea, filed by Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar of the Congress, contested the appointment of Justice (retired) Satyendra Kumar Singh as Lokayukta, alleging a disregard for consultation. Singhar’s counsel, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, denounced the appointment process as a mockery lacking proper consultation.
In response, the state government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that the chief justice of the high court had been consulted, and the file had been sent to the LoP. However, Singhar argued that the appointment violated the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukt Evam Up-Lokayukt Adhiniyam, 1981, which mandates consultation with the LoP.
