SC directs Center to file affidavit on steps taken to appoint Lokpal

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre to state on affidavit the steps taken to date in pursuance to the long-awaited appointment of the Lokpal.

The bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul asked the Attorney General K.K. Venugopal to ensure that the steps taken to date are brought on record through an affidavit to be filed within two weeks. "Much time has lapsed, something needs to be done", the bench observed.

Directing that all details be put on record, the court fixed January 17 for considering the matter again. "No, no note. File an affidavit," Chief Justice Gogoi told Attorney General who sought to pass on a note to the bench carrying the details of the steps taken by the government in the process of appointing Lokpal.

In the last hearing on July 24, the court had declined to accept the affidavit filed by the Secretary (Personnel), DoPT describing it "wholly unsatisfactory" and had directed the filing of a "better affidavit giving full particulars" of the steps being taken for setting up a search committee for suggesting probable names for Lokpal.

(With inputs from agencies.)