Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 17: Chief Minister-led Selection Committee today finalized the names of former Chief Justice of State, Justice B A Khan and two ex-Judges of the State High Court, Justice J P Singh and Justice B A Kirmani for the coveted posts of Chairperson and Members of the State Accountability Commission. With this decision, this vital Commission is all set to become functional after remaining defunct for more than one year.
Sources told EXCELSIOR that Selection Committee met at Srinagar this evening to infuse new lease of life in the defunct State Accountability Commission. The Committee deliberated upon all the names recommended by the Cabinet Sub-Committee and finally selected Justice (Retd) B A Khan, Justice (retd) J P Singh and Justice (retd) B A Kirmani for the posts of Chairperson and Members respectively.
The meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was attended by all the members of the Selection Committee namely former Chief Minister (leader of single largest party in Opposition in the State Legislature) Omar Abdullah, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, Chief Justice of State High Court, Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Law Minister, Basharat Bukhari.
“The meeting held in the cordial atmosphere and all the members unanimously took decision in the favour of Justice B A Khan, Justice J P Singh and Justice B A Kirmani”, sources said, adding as far as new Chairperson of the Accountability Commission is concerned, it was decided that the consent of Justice B A Khan would be received before recommending the names to the Governor for formal appointment by warrant under his hand and seal as per the provisions of the J&K State Accountability Commission Act.
When contacted, former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah confirmed that three names were shortlisted for the posts of Chairperson and Members of the Commission and said Government will take final call on the appointments after fulfilling all the requisite formalities like obtaining consent letters from the selected Judges.
With this development, it is expected that Accountability Commission, which remained defunct during the past over one year, will become functional shortly. With the revival of the Accountability Commission, the complaints of corruption and maladministration involving public functionaries would get required focus as the Commission has the mandate to enquire into such complaints against Chief Minister or any Minister, any Member of State Legislature, Chairman or Vice-Chairman or a member of a local authority, Vice-Chancellor or Registrar of University established or deemed to have been established by law made by the State Legislature.
Unlike previous Chairpersons and Members of the Accountability Commission, the new Chairperson and Members would hold office for a period of five years from the date on which they enter upon their office or until they attain the age of 75 years, whichever is earlier as per the amendments carried out in the State Accountability Commission Act.
It is worthwhile to mention here that Justice B A Khan remained Chief Justice of J&K High Court from January 25, 2007 to March 31, 2007 while as Justice J P Singh remained Judge of the State High Court from October 4, 2005 to April 5, 2013 and Justice B A Kirmani from June 9, 2005 to June 13, 2008.
Follow our WhatsApp channel