The Devendra Fadnavis government, which is completing six months in power, was expected to fill the two crucial posts in consultation with chief justice of Bombay high court and leader of the opposition, but has so far failed to do so.
The Lokpal movement launched by Anna Hazare in 2011-12 might have catapulted Aam Admi Party and Arvind Kejriwal to power in the capital state of Delhi, but Maharashtra – the first state in the country to establish the office of Lokayukta in 1971 – has left its Lokayukta institution to die its own death.
The post of Maharashtra Lokayukta has been lying vacant ever since Justice PB Gaikwad’s term expired in July last year. A few months later, in December, Upalokayukta Johny Joseph’s term too came to an end. Meanwhile, the number of cases awaiting justice from Lokayukta – mostly of corruption and grievances against the government officers from across the state – have crossed a whopping 4,100.
Now state’s anti-corruption ombudsman is left with just one officer – former Justice PB Jadhav – who works as a registrar in the office of the Lokayukta and whose term will expire on June 3. With no fresh appointment happening, Justice Jadhav had written to the Governor seeking his guidance.
In the letter dated May 5, Justice Jadhav stated, “My tenure is coming to an end on June 3. In the absence of registrar, working of the office is likely to be jeopardised in its entirety. No other staff can exercise the delegated powers in absence of registrar… staff may also not be able to get their salary.”
dna, in its edition dated November 20, had carried a report about the 'headless' body.
Justice Jadhav not only redresses corruption and grievance cases against government officers, but also doubles up as “drawing and disbursing” officer whose signature is required for clearing salaries of 70-odd employees of the institution.
Since registrar is appointed by the Lokayukta from among the senior district judges, this post can’t be filled up unless the Lokayukta is appointed.
The Devendra Fadnavis government, which is completing six months in power, was expected to fill the two crucial posts in consultation with chief justice of Bombay high court and leader of the opposition, but has so far failed to do so.
Ironically, when Fadnavis was in the opposition benches, he had tabled a private member's Bill during the 2012 monsoon session and called for more powers to the anti-corruption ombudsman. Taking cognizance of Fadnavis' demand, Prithviraj Chavan government had formed a committee to study functioning of Lokayukta in other states and accordingly suggest ways to strengthen state’s institution.
CM Fadnavis, or his secretary Milind Mhaiskar, didn’t respond to dna queries and text messages till the filing of this report.
“The state government doesn’t seem to be committed in fighting corruption. Besides, they might be looking for someone who is more compatible to them because they don’t want a repeat of Yedyurappa case of Karnataka here,” alleged Sanjay Nirupam, Mumbai Congress chief and former MP.
Nirupam also accused the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of undermining democratic institutions, especially the anti-corruption ombudsman. “They have a history of doing so. Modi didn’t appoint Lokayukta in Gujarat for nine years. Even one year into prime ministership, he hasn’t appointed Central Information Commissioner or Central Vigilance Commissioner. Lokpal has been left to die.”
What Governor’s office has to say
When asked about Governor’s action on Justice Jadhav’s letter, Vikas Chandra Rastogi, secretary to Governor said, “Governor sir is out of Mumbai till May 23. I will seek his reply once he comes back and let you know.”
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