Patna: The Patna High Court has sought a response from the Bihar government over the continued vacancy in the post of Lokayukta, describing the absence of an incumbent for more than three years as a serious administrative lapse.
Hearing a petition filed by Vijay Shah, a single-judge bench of Justice Dr Anshuman directed the Chief Secretary to file an affidavit within four weeks explaining why the appointment has not been made.
Court Questions Three-Year Vacancy
The court observed that the office of the Lokayukta has remained vacant since February 2022, following the retirement of Justice Shyam Kishore Sharma.
It remarked that leaving the statutory office vacant for such an extended period affects judicial and statutory functions and cannot be ignored.
Petitioner Highlights Delay
Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Dr Ranjeet Kumar submitted that the responsibility for appointing the Lokayukta rests with the state government.
He informed the court that despite the post remaining vacant since February 2022, no appointment has been made.
According to the petitioner, the prolonged delay has affected the functioning of the institution.
No Affidavit Filed Despite Extension
The High Court was informed that during an earlier hearing, counsel representing the Lokayukta’s office had sought a two-week extension to file a response.
However, no affidavit has been submitted so far.
Representatives of the Lokayukta’s office told the court that responding to petitions is difficult in the absence of an incumbent Lokayukta.
Chief Secretary Asked To Respond
Taking note of the submissions, the court directed that a factual affidavit be filed in coordination with the Secretary of the Lokayukta’s office.
It also instructed the petitioner to implead the Chief Secretary as a party to the proceedings and directed the state’s counsel to immediately communicate the court’s order to the Chief Secretary.
The matter will be taken up again after the state files its response within the stipulated four-week period.
