ITANAGAR, July 21 - Itanagar Permanent Bench of Gauhati High Court has on Friday directed Arunachal Pradesh Government to expedite the process of setting up of Lukayukta in the State �so as to give effective meaning to the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta Act, 2014�.
The High Court was disposing of two public interest litigations (PILs) filed by RTI activist Payi Gyadi seeking the court�s direction for early constitution of Lokayukta in the State to �curb corruption in public offices�.
The petitioner had pleaded for implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta Act, 2014 by establishing Lokayukta without any further delay. It was submitted that four years have gone by since enactment of the statute and the State respondents were yet to demonstrate their commitment to establish Lokayukta.
However, the counsel appearing for State respondents represented by the Chief Secretary produced a notification dated 05.07.2018, issued by the State Chief Secretary which shows that a Search Committee has already been constituted for preparing a panel of persons to be considered for appointment of chairperson and members of the Lokayukta.
Taking note of the fact that �steps are afoot for establishing Lokayukta in terms of the aforesaid Act of 2014�, the court observed: ��we find no justification to detain adjudication of the PILs any further, save and except making a direction to the State respondents to expedite the process so as to give effective meaning to the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta Act, 2014.
With the above directions, both the PILs stands disposed of,� read the High Court order.
