SC pulls up Centre for its delay in appointing a Lokpal

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 25, 2018 : Terms progress ‘wholly unsatisfactory’; tells counsel to file affidavit on progress.

 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the government’s stand on completing the appointment of the Lokpal, an ombudsman to protect the common man from corruption in public service and power centres, is “wholly unsatisfactory”.

The court was reacting to an affidavit filed by the government, aiming to specify the exact timeframe by which it would appoint the Lokpal. Instead, the government, represented by Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal, said it is a “complicated” process.

Selection panel meets

The eight-page affidavit said the Selection Committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on July 19 on the choice of a Search Committee for Lokpal. This Search Committee would prepare a panel of names for Lokpal.

On July 19, the Selection Committee discussed that the Search Committee would comprise seven persons, including the Chairperson. These persons have to be from expertise as diverse as anti-corruption policy, public administration, insurance, banking, law and management. Besides, 50% of them should be drawn from the SC/ST category, the OBCs, minorities and women. The Selection panel decided to discuss this further the next time they meet at a convenient time.

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Venugopal said finalising a Search Committee would take time. Besides, the appointment process should be inclusive. A thorough vetting of probables for the Lokpal is a must, he added.

Call for court action

During the hearing, advocate Prashant Bhushan, who filed a contempt petition against the government for not appointing a Lokpal despite an April 2017 judgment by the Supreme Court, said the court should now take over and appoint the Lokpal.

“They (the government) are just dragging their feet. Court should start the procedure of appointing a search committee (to shortlist the candidates for Lokpal),” Mr. Bhushan, for NGO Common Cause, submitted. He said the judges should “consult among themselves”.

“Let the Supreme Court give names and let the court appoint a Lokpal,” Mr. Bhushan urged.


courtesy:The Hindu