Justice RA Mehta says he will not respond to Gujarat HC Notice

Ahmedabad, 23 September, 2011

Retired Justice R A Mehta, whose appointment as Lokayukta of Gujarat by the Governor has been challenged in the High Court by the Narendra Modi government(and therefore he has not taken oath yet), today told PTI that he would not respond to the notice issued by the Court. Mehta told this during brief interaction with media persons after inaugurating a painting exhibition.

Mehta was issued a fresh notice by the High Court on Wednesday during the hearing on the state government’s petition. He confirmed having received the notice but said, “I am not going to respond to the High Court notice”. When asked if he was bound to respond to the notice, Mehta said, “Not necessary.” He confirmed having received the notice, though.

“The Chief Justice (of Gujarat High Court) had taken my consent before nominating my name for Lokayukta,” the retired judge said, when asked if the Governor, Dr Kamla, had taken his (Mehta’s) consent before appointing him.