SC Appoints Justice Sanjaya Mishra As New UP Lokayukta

28 January, New Delhi

The Supreme Court Thursday appointed former Justice Sanjay Mishra as Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta after recalling its earlier order appointing ex-Justice Virendra Singh as the anti-graft ombudsman.

A Bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the recall was necessary as the state government had withheld from it the fact that the Allahabad High Court Chief Justice had expressed doubts over the integrity of Justice Singh.

The bench termed as “unfortunate” the inability of constitutional functionaries like the Chief Minister and Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court to arrive at a consensual name for the post of the Lokayukta.

Earlier on December 16 last year, the apex court had exercised its constitutional authority and appointed Justice Singh as Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta. The Apex Court had expressed dismay that its several orders directing to make appointment to the post had not been “heeded” by the constitutional functionaries — the chief minister, the leader of opposition and the chief justice of the Allahabad high court.