After Uttar Pradesh Governor, Chief Justice too objects to Samajwadi Party's pick for Lok Ayukta

LUCKNOW: The Lok Ayukta tussle which has seen the Governor returning the recommendation of the Samajwadi Party government thrice, took a new turn on Monday with the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, too, objecting to government nominee Justice retired Raveendra Singh.

Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud is reported to raised objection on the grounds that Justice Singh was seen to be close to the ruling Samajwadi Party leadership. According to information available to ET, the Chief Justice, in a letter to the Chief Minister, has pointed out that Justice Singh had attended a religious function in which a controversial seer involved in real estate and liquor business was appointed as a Mahamandaleshwar in August.

The CJ has stated that Justice Singh was seated next to PWD and Irrigation minister Shivpal Yadav at the function.

He said that the Lok Ayukta has to decide on corruption cases against minister and bureaucrats and a person seen as close to a ruling party would not be suitable for the post.

The state government says it is not bound by the opinion of the Chief Justice in selection of the Lok Ayukta. It has reasoned that if Justice Singh was unsuitable for Lok Ayukta how come he was suitable enough to serve as a Judge of the HC for so long.