The Supreme Court on Friday took a significant step in addressing concerns over the appointment process of Lokayukta, the anti-corruption ombudsman in various states. 

In a recent development, the apex court has decided to scrutinize the manner and procedure of consultation with the Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of the High Court regarding Lokayukta appointments.

A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra announced their decision to delve into this matter, recognizing its potential nationwide implications. 

The decision comes in response to a writ petition filed by Umang Singhar, the Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh state assembly and a prominent Congress leader.

Singhar's petition, represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Vivek Tankha, raised concerns regarding the recent appointment of Justice Satyendra Kumar Singh as Lokayukta in Madhya Pradesh. It was argued that the appointment lacked proper consultation, as only one name was presented for consideration.

Responding to the petition, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Madhya Pradesh government, cited several judgments related to Lokayukta appointments and asserted that due process had been followed. He disputed the claim that only one candidate was proposed for consultation with the Leader of Opposition.

In light of these conflicting claims, the Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to produce the original files pertaining to the appointment process. Furthermore, the state government has been instructed to submit a response to the allegations within a period of two weeks.

Singhar, in his capacity as a member of the selection committee representing the opposition, had previously raised objections to the alleged bypassing of constitutional procedures in the appointment of the Lokayukta. He highlighted the necessity of adhering to the provisions outlined in the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Adhiniyam, 1981.