Former SC Judge Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar Sworn in as Lokpal Chairperson

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th March. Former Supreme Court judge Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was administered the oath of office as the Chairperson of Lokpal by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday. The appointment of Justice (retired) Khanwilkar, 66, to this prestigious position marks a significant milestone in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

Justice Khanwilkar brings with him an array of experience, having served as a judge of the apex court from May 13, 2016, to July 29, 2022. During his tenure, he authored several crucial verdicts, including ones validating the state’s powers under special legislations such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act. His dedication and commitment to the judiciary earned him praise from then Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, who lauded him as a “hard-working and disciplined judge” and a “strong proponent for the use of technology” in the judiciary.

The appointment of Justice Khanwilkar as the Lokpal chairperson comes nearly two years after the post fell vacant following the retirement of Pinaki Chandra Ghose on May 27, 2022. Former Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty has been serving as the acting Lokpal chairperson until Justice Khanwilkar’s appointment.

In addition to Justice Khanwilkar, the government has appointed six members to the Lokpal, including three judicial members and three non-judicial members. The judicial members are former Chief Justices Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Sanjay Yadav, and Ritu Raj Awasthi, while the non-judicial members comprise former Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, former Chief Secretary of Gujarat Pankaj Kumar, and former Rural Development Secretary Ajay Tirkey.