SC Pulls Up Centre For Its Delay In Appointing A Lokpal

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the government’s stand on completing the appointment of the Lokpal, an ombudsman to protect the common man from corruption in public service and power centres, is “wholly unsatisfactory.”

- Krishnadas Rajagopal

The court was reacting to an adavit led by the government, aiming to specify the exact time frame by which it would appoint a Lokpal. Instead, the government, represented by Attorney­General K.K. Venugopal, said it is a “complicated” process.

Selection panel meets

The eight ­page adavit said the Selection Committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on July 19 on the choice of a Search Committee for the Lokpal. This Search Committee would prepare a panel of names.

On July 19, the Selection Committee discussed that the Search Committee would comprise seven persons, including the Chairperson. These persons have to be from expertise as diverse as anti­corruption policy, public administration, insurance, banking, law and management. Besides, 50% of them should be drawn from the SC/ST category, the OBCs, the minorities and women. The selection panel decided to discuss this further the next time it meets at a convenient time.

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Venugopal said nalising a Search Committee would take time. Besides, the appointment process should be inclusive. A thorough vetting of probables for the Lokpal is a must, he added.