SC admits Gujarat Govt plea challenging Lokayukta appointment

New Delhi, Feb 3: The Supreme Court on Friday admitted an appeal filed by the Gujarat Government challenging the state governor's decision to "unilaterally" appoint Justice (Retd) R A Mehta as the Lokayukta.

A bench of justices B S Chauhan and J S Khehar said it would examine the matter at length as vital question of constitutional law is involved. The bench said it will hear the matter at a stretch of three days from February 20.

The Gujarat government has challenged the state High Court order upholding the appointment of Justice Mehta as the Lokayukta on the ground that it was unconstitutional and done without its consent.

The Gujarat High Court had on January 18 upheld the appointment of Justice Mehta as the Lokayukta while sharply criticising Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his "pranks" that had sparked a "constitutional mini crisis".

In the petition filed on January 19, the state government sought stay of the High Court judgement and also of the August 25, 2011, order of Governor Kamla Beniwal by which the warrant of appointment of Justice Mehta as Lokayukta was passed.

PTI