The Supreme Court has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh.
The first of its kind order given , the SC has invoked its constitutional power and appointed retired HC judge as UP Lokayukta after state machinery failed to appoint it. the appointment straightaway by exercising its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court observed that
- The failure of constitutional functionaries to comply with the orders of the apex court of the country is deeply regretted and astonishing.
- Expressed displeasure that Chief Minister, leader of opposition and Chief Justice of High Court failed to comply with its order.
Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh is a native of western Uttar Pradesh. He has served as Judge of Allahabad High Court from 2009 to 2011 and had superannuated in 2011.
Background
The Supreme Court’s order came after State Selection Panel of Lokayukta comprising Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, leader of Opposition (LoP) Swami Prasad Maurya and Chief Justice of Allahabad high court Justice DY Chandrachud could not reach on any consensus.
What is Lokayukta?
- Lok Ayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman organization in the Indian states.
- The LokAyukta, along with the Income Tax Department and the Anti Corruption Bureau, mainly helps people publicise corruption among the Politicians and Government Officials.
- Maharashtra was the first state to introduce the institution of Lokayukta through The Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act in 1971
- Karnataka Lokayukta is considered as the most powerful Lokayukta in the country.