jharkhand-hc-raps-govt-over-delay-in-filling-constitutional-posts

The Jharkhand High Court has voiced strong concern over the continued vacancy of key positions in several constitutional bodies across the state, stating that keeping such institutions inactive for more than four years cannot be justified under any circumstances.

 

During the hearing of a public interest litigation concerning the appointment of chairpersons and members, a division bench comprising Justice MS Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar instructed the state government to urgently fill all pending vacancies. The bench cautioned that any further delay could lead to strict judicial intervention.

 

The court emphasised that constitutional bodies are fundamental to the functioning of democracy and that prolonged vacancies at the top levels significantly weaken their effectiveness. It reiterated the need for swift appointments to restore their proper functioning.

 

This is not the first time the high court has taken a firm position on the matter. In earlier hearings, it had directed the state to initiate the appointment process within a fixed timeframe and had also demanded explanations for repeated delays.

 

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The court had even suggested interim arrangements to prevent these bodies from becoming non-operational.

 

However, noting a lack of tangible progress despite previous directions, the court has now adopted a more stringent approach.

 

Appearing for the state, Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan informed the Bench that steps are being taken to speed up appointments to various constitutional posts, including that of the Lokayukta.

 

He added that a meeting regarding the Lokayukta’s appointment will be held soon, which requires the presence of both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

 

On the other hand, counsel for the petitioner, Rajkumar, told the court that the government has sought adjournments in the case more than 50 times so far, yet no concrete progress has been made in completing the appointments.

 

It may be recalled that in the previous hearing, the high court had directed the government to appoint the Lokayukta within six weeks. Despite this, several posts have remained vacant for nearly four years, with the government repeatedly citing various reasons for the delay.

 

The matter will next be taken up for hearing on March 23.