Decide on PIL for setting up Lokayukta in all states within 3 months: HC to Centre

The Delhi high court on Friday asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a PIL, seeking setting up of an “effective, impartial, independent and strong” Lokayukta in all the states of the country.

A Bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal asked the Ministry of Law and Justice to treat the petition as a representation and to take a decision within three months.

It also asked the government to communicate its decision to the petitioner, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who was given liberty to approach the court if he was aggrieved by the outcome.

With these directions the court disposed of the matter.

The court’s order came after the Centre’s standing counsel, Jasmeet Singh, said that Upadhyay’s representation has been received by the ministry and the issue raised by him is under consideration.

The government counsel sought time for arriving at a decision. Apart from seeking setting up of Lokayuktas in all states, for ensuring redressal of citizens’ grievances in a timely manner, Upadhyay has also sought the implementation of the ‘United Nations Convention Against Corruption’ and the ‘Sense of the House Resolution -2011’.

In his plea, Upadhyay, who is also a BJP spokesperson, has sought the enactment of a Lokayukta Bill as a model legislation so that there is a strong Lokayukta in all states of the country.