Justice P K Misra who relinquished office on September 17 was scheduled to depart from Goa on October 10. But after the disgraceful manner in which the Government treated him he must have preponed his departure and has now returned to his native Orissa.
Instead of displaying that vindictive attitude, the government should have shown at least some basic courtesy to the 73-year old former Chief Justice of Patna High Court by not withdrawing his official car and personal staff on the very night he retired.
Justice Misra must have left an otherwise very hospitable Goa with a bitter feeling that serving the State was a thankless job, but the people at large remain ever so indebted for the utmost dedication in which he fearlessly discharged his duties in enforcing the provisions of the Goa Lokayukta Act and upholding the law.
Since the High Court has on September 23 directed the Goa Government to fill the vacancy of Lokayukta within three months we should have the new Lokayukta in place by the New Year so that the good work done by Justice Misra can be carried forward by his successor.
While we wait for the new Lokayukta, the government could over the next three months focus on making sure the entire required infrastructure at the Institution of Lokayukta is in place including the setting up of the much needed website.
