Gujarat HC issues notice to RA Mehta,others,next hearing on 21st

Ahmedabad, 7 September 2011

Gujarat High Court bench of Justice Akil Qureshi and Soniaben Gokani today issued notice to retired Justice R.A.Mehta and Gujarat High Court’s Registrar General asking them to file reply in two weeks. Court asked the Advocate General to clarify how the letter of CM to PM leaked to media and if CM was aware about content of letter being released to media. Court asked Advocate General to file answer in this regard.

Mehta was appointed Lokayukta by the Governor of Gujarat on 26 August, however Gujarat government had objected this decision claiming that Mehta was biased against the government, and Governor’s decision without consulting council of minister while appointing Lokayukta was unconstitutional.Gujarat government challenged Mehta’s appointment in the High court. The court directed to remove Governor’s name as respondent. In reaction, Gujarat government made RA Mehta as one of the respondents and filed fresh application.

There is a buzz in political circles of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar that newly appointed Lokayukta of Gujarat retired Justice R.A. Mehta may refuse to accept the charge . Mehta was appointed Lokayukta on 26 August, but he has not yet given his consent to take oath to hold this position.