Uttarakhand High Court Directs State To Disclose Status Of Lokayukta Institution, Expenditure Incurred Since Inception

The Uttarakhand High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Alok Kumar Verma has directed the State to disclose the status regarding the establishment of the Lokayukta Institution, as well as the expenditure incurred on the said institution since its inception, year-wise up to 31st March 2023 within three weeks.

The court was hearing the PIL filed by a resident of Uttarakhand for the implementation of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014.

Background of the case

In 2021, PIL was filed by Ravi Shankar Joshi raising concerns about the non-implementation of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014, as the State has been without a Lokayukta for more than 8 years, he said.

The petitioner stated that in 2018, the Supreme Court (WP(Civil) No.57 of 2016) had directed the Government of Uttarakhand to appoint the Lokayukta within 3 months of the enforcement of the new enactment. In spite of the directions, there has been no progress regarding the same, he said.

According to the petitioner, he had filed an RTI to seek reasons for the non-appointment of the Lokayukta. However, the respondent department sent a reply stating that no information can be given as they do not have the file of concerning issue, the plea states.

The petitioner has requested the High Court to direct the State to implement the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act, 2014 and finalize the names for the appointment of Chairperson and Members of the Lokayukta Institution.

In September 2021, the notice was issued to the State government on the filing of PIL.

The matter will now be taken up on 08th May 2023.

Case Title- Ravi Shankar Joshi v. State of Uttarakhand

Counsel for Petitioner-Mr. Rajeev Singh Bisht

Counsel for Respondent-Mr. S.S. Chauhan

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