Setback for Narendra Modi, Guj Lokayukta appointment upheld

Ahmedabad, Oct 10: It can be proved as a major setback for Narendra Modi when Gujarat High Court on Monday, Oct 10 upheld the appointment of the Lokayukta or ombudsman.

Gujarat governor, Kamla Beniwal had earlier appointed Justice RA Mehta as the Lokayukta of the state in Aug 2011. However, Modi government opposed the decision claiming that the issue was not being discussed with the government officials.

Gujarat government moved the High Court alleging that it (appointment of the Lokayukta) violates Article 163 of the Constitution which states that the Governor of a state must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

To solve the dispute, Gujarat Chief Minister, however, had suggested that a committee comprising three ministers, the Leader of the Opposition Congress party, and the state's Chief Justice should select the Lokayukta for the state.

OneIndia News