NT Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday
directed the state government to submit a status report on steps taken to appoint a Lokayukta at the next hearing.
The post has been vacant since December 2024.
The petition, filed by Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Trajano D’Mello, challenges the non-appointment of a Lokayukta and the delay in dispensing justice.
The state government informed the court that efforts were under way but said identifying a suitable candidate was taking time.
The hearing has been adjourned to October 13.
The petition states that with the post lying vacant for more than seven months, complaints before the authority remain pending, causing grave prejudice to the petitioner and others. It adds that the Goa Lokayukta, instituted as an anti-corruption ombudsman to inquire into grievances and allegations against public functionaries, has been rendered ineffective due to government inaction.
The petition also stated that the petitioner is entitled to a writ of mandamus or other appropriate direction compelling the government to appoint a new Lokayukta.
