Gujarat Government today moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court verdict upholding the appointment of Justice (retd) R A Mehta as the Lokayukta by the Governor on the ground that it was unconstitutional as it was done without the consent of the state government.

In a hurriedly filed petition, the state government sought stay of yesterday's judgement of the Gujarat High Court and also of the August 25, 2011 order of Governor Kamla Beniwal by which the warrant of appointment of Justice Mehta as Lokayukta was passed.

The state government contended that appointment order was passed without following due procedure in a wholly unconstitutional manner which was illegal.

In the petition filed, the Gujarat Government said substantial questions of law have arisen, including that of absence of advice by the council of ministers on the appointment of Lokayukta by the Governor.