UP governor Ram Naik appoints Justice Singh as Lokayukta

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav earlier presented documents in this regard to the Governor, who gave his approval after getting the copy of the Supreme Court order regarding appointment of Justice Singh.

A day ago, the Governor had returned the file sent to him by the government as it did not contain the copy of the Supreme Court order.
Asked about the objections raised by Allahabad High Court’s Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud who has criticised the UP government for putting the name of Justice (retd) Singh in the list sent to Supreme Court for appointment of Lokayukta, Akhilesh said, “All I can say is I respect the order of the Supreme Court”.

In a major embarrassment for the UP government, the Supreme Court while exercising its constitutional authority, on Wednesday appointed the former High Court judge as the Lokayukta, after the state government failed to do so within the deadline fixed by the court. The apex court picked Justice Singh from a panel of five names that the state had submitted.

The appointment, however, has come on a controversial note with Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud writing a letter to the Governor Thursday, expressing displeasure that despite his strong objection Justice Singh had been included in the panel of names sent to the top court.

Justice Chandrachud also pointed out that the name was included though Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had assured it would not be done.
The Governor has forwarded Justice Chandrachud’s letter to the Chief Minister as well as Leader of Opposition Swami Prasad Maurya – the High Court Chief Justice, Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition are the three functionaries who decide on the Lokayukta.