SC NOTICE TO UP GOVT ON LOKAYUKTA

The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government on a petition for a direction to include the office of the Chief Minister under the ambit of the Lokayukta Act.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjeev Khanna issued notice on a petition filed by Shiv Kumar Tripathi pointing out that several institutions including the CM’s office had been kept out of the purview of the Lokayukta Act.

The petitioner alleged that the Lokayukta Act in the State is not effective and powerful to serve the purpose and object for which it was enacted. It was passed to make provision for investigation of the grievances and allegation against Ministers, legislators and other public servants. However, the Lokayukta or Upalokayukta cannot conduct any investigation under this Act except on a complaint made in accordance with the provisions relating to filing of complaints.