Returning the new lokayukta bill for re-consideration of the Cabinet, Gujarat governor Kamla Beniwal called it a mockery of the whole judicial process. Pointing out several flaws in the legislation, Ms Beniwal said, “This is nothing but the mockery of the whole judicial process.”
Refusing to give her consent to the bill that was sent to her, she said in a seven-page note, “I am of the view that the provisions of Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 are detrimental to the interest of public welfare and the state legislature needs rethinking on the issues mentioned in the interest of the people of Gujarat.”
To appoint lokayukta, the bill proposes a six-member selection committee headed by the chief minister. The other members would be the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, a minister nominated by the chief minister, Leader of the Opposition, a judge of the high court nominated by the Chief Justice and CVC of state. Pointing to the Constitution of the committee the governor said, “The above provisions regarding the constitution of the selection committee show that out of six members, four will be definitely and undoubtedly belonging to one political party — the CM, Speaker, minister appointed by CM and vigilance commissioner.” She further argued, “The very Constitution of the selection committee suggests that Leader of Opposition and judge would be in minority and their voice would have hardly any significance because their objections could be easily overruled.”
The governor also took strong exceptions to the definition of competent authority in the legislation, provisions relating to qualifications for the anti-corruption watchdog, matters not subject to investigation by the lokayukta besides others.