Ahmedabad, September 22: “It is further mentioned that if such a person having specific biased perception for the government in the state is appointed as Lokayukta, he would not be able to perform his duties with the amount of objectivity, judiciousness and impartially as expected of the Lokayukta. Therefore it is necessary to have a re-look at the name proposed,” the affidavit said, quoting the letter.
Prasad”s affidavit said Justice Mukhopadhaya was of the opinion that there was no activity which made Justice Mehta ineligible for appointment of Lokayukta.
The CJ, in a letter to Modi on August 2, had said Justice Mehta was a man of “high repute and integrity”. He has maintained high standards in society, has never made public statement which is detrimental to society, nor has he shown any aspirations to any government, central or state.
There was nothing to suggest that he is a member of any NGO, Justice Mukhopadhaya had said and recommended Justice Mehta”s name for the head of the anti-graft agency.
Prasad has further said the chief minister again wrote to CJ on August 18, stating he could not accept Mehta”s name for Lokayukta”s post, and suggested the name of a recently retired judge of the high court.
Prasad further said the government”s petition did not fully chronicle the events leading to the issuance of warrant by Governor on August 25 appointing Mehta as Lokayukta.
He also said Modi had pushed the name of Justice (retd) J R Vora for the post a number of times despite he being appointed as Director of Gujarat State Judicial Academy.
–PTI