The high court has asked Rajasthan government to file its response to a PIL challenging appointments to the post of Lokayukta and calling for greater transparency in the process of selecting candidates for the same.
A division bench was hearing a petition filed by one RL Meena which states that there are question marks over the selection process for the Lokayukta which requires that disqualifications vis-a-vis candidates must be considered by the selection committee.
The PIL mentioned the closure of the Justice (retd) NN Mathur inquiry commission report and the corruption cases being investigated by it relating to the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in the state which have now been transferred to the Lokayukta.
Although the appointment process for the Lokayukta involves the governor, chief justice and leader of opposition in the state, the views expressed by the chief justice are rarely considered in the matter.
Thus, the appointment of Lokayukta remains in the hands of politicians, the petitioner has claimed.
"It is, therefore, necessary that the movement of file concerning appointment (of Lokayukta) and the entire process should be made public," the PIL states.
Admitting the writ petition, Justices NK Jain, Sr. And Dr Meena V. Gomber issued notices to the chief minister's principal secretary, chief secretary and the Lokayukta secretary seeking their responses.
The petitioner has also sought facilitation of e-filing of complaints as the Lokayukta presently accepts complaints only if filed in person. He further called for the decisions taken by Lokayukta to be made public on a dedicated website.
