NEW DELHI:The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Lokpal selection committee, headed by the Prime Minister, was scheduled to meet on July 19 to set up a search panel for recommending a panel of names for the appointment of the anti-graft ombudsman and its members.
In its latest affidavit, the government cited rules and provisions of the Lokpal Act to highlight the procedure, but did not suggest a time frame for appointing the Lokpal.The bench, headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi, took on record the Centre’s submission and slated the next hearing for July 24.
The affidavit by the Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, pointed out that the Selection Committee, comprising the Prime Minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Chief Justice of India or his nominee, and an eminent jurist, would have to nominate at least seven persons as members of the Search Committee.
Once constituted, the Search Committee will lay down its procedure, after which the Selection Committee will fix a time period for the Search Committee to shortlist candidates and recommend them for appointment as chairman and members of the Lokpal.
According to the affidavit, since the Search Committee is not in place, there cannot be a time frame for submission of names for consideration, and therefore, no certain time frame.