Search for a new Lokpal begins, Justice Khanwilkar tops the
chart
The Modi government has begun the process for the appointment of
the next chief of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal.The name of Justice A
M Khanwilkar is being mentioned as the likely choice for the key
post. Though Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose retired nearly six months
ago, the Centre seemed in no hurry to fill the vacancy and temporary
charge was given to the senior-most judicial member Pradeep Kumar Mohanty.
Informed sources say that the process to appoint the new Lokpal
remained in limbo as the government was looking for a suitable name. Justice
Khanwilkar retired as the judge of the Supreme Court recently after serving for
more than six years. Born in 1957 in Pune, Justice
Khanwilkar studied at Mumbai Law college and became a judge of the Bombay
high court. There are reports that former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit's
name is also under consideration. Lalit is considered close to the 'Sangh
Parivar' but he is known to be a tough judge.
The Lokpal is headed by a chairperson and can have eight members
-- four judicial and the rest non-judicial. At present, there are six
members in the Lokpal and the two posts have been lying vacant for a long
time. Justice Dilip B Bhosale resigned as a Lokpal member in January 2020,
citing personal reasons and Justice (retired) Ajay Kumar Tripathi died May 2,
2020. A Lokpal chief and members are appointed by the President on
the recommendation of a high-powered committee for a term of five years or
until attaining the age of 70 years. The committee is headed by the PM and
comprises the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Leader of Opposition in the Lower House,
the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him,
and an eminent jurist as recommended by the chairperson and members of the
selection panel.
