Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik again returns Lokayukta file to state government

LUCKNOW: Governor Ram Naik today again returned the file concerning the appointment of a new Lokayukta in Uttar Pradesh to the state government, asking Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to follow the proper procedure for selecting the ombudsman.

The Governor, who had yesterday returned the file concerning the appointment of the new Lokayukta seeking some information today got a reply from the Chief Minister, but he again returned it advising him to follow the proper procedure for selection, a Raj Bhawan release said.

The Governor's office said that as per the Uttar Pradesh Lokayukt and Up-Lokayukt Act 1975, a panel comprising chief justice of the high court, leader of opposition and chief minister should decide on names for the post and this procedure was not followed.

"Neither such panel was formed nor any meeting was held for selection of Lokayukta," the Governor said while returning the file again.

Earlier on Tuesday, the State Cabinet had unanimously favoured the appointment of justice (retd) Raveendra Singh as the new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh after discussing the issue at length and the file in this regard was sent to the Raj Bhawan on Wednesday night.

Sources that the file did not contain the recommendation of chief justice for appointment of the new Lokayukta.