The Allahabad High Court today directed the state government and the Lokayukta, Uttar Pradesh, to file their replies within four weeks on a writ petition challenging the inquiry report of the anti-graft ombudsman against suspended IPS officer Amitabh Thakur.
A division bench here of justice Shabihul Hasnain and justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya passed the order on a petition filed by Thakur seeking quashing of the Lokayukta report and directions to the state government not to act on it.
On August 24, the Lokayukta had sent the report to the state government after completing an inquiry on a complaint made against Thakur.
Petitioner Amitabh Thakur alleged that the investigation completed against him by Lokayukta justice(retd.) N. K Mehrotra is not only "a complete farce but has also shaken the foundations of his august office."
The petitioner also alleged that Mehrotra claimed that Thakur had disproportionate assets which needed CBI and ED inquiries but surprisingly neither he nor his father, mother, wife or brother was given any opportunity to be heard by the Lokayukta who "falsely" stated that their (father, mother, wife and brothers) property was that of Thakur.
The petitioner alleged that the Lokayukta's conduct was "completely against the dignity of his office and proved his bias in work and conduct."
That is why the moment he filed a petition in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on August 24, the Lokayukta immediately sent a "half-baked" report in "great hurry," the petitioner further said.
On the other hand, the counsel for the state and the Lokayukta opposed the petition and sought time to file replies.
The HC provided four weeks time to them for the same and directed to list the matter thereafter.
