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Jharkhand Gets New Lokayukta After 5-Year Vacancy, Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta Sworn In

Jharkhand has appointed a new Lokayukta, Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta, ending a nearly five-year vacancy in the anti-corruption post. The oath was administered by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at a ceremony in Ranchi's Lok Bhavan. The appointment follows a directive from the Jharkhand High Court to expedite filling key constitutional posts. The move is expected to bolster transparency and accountability within the state's administration.

Key Points: Jharkhand Appoints Lokayukta After 5 Years, Justice Amitabh Gupta Takes Oath

  • Post vacant since June 2021
  • Oath administered by Governor Santosh Gangwar
  • High Court had directed expedited appointment
  • Ceremony attended by CM Hemant Soren
  • Justice Gupta retired from Jharkhand HC in 2021
2 min read

Jharkhand gets Lokayukta after five years, Guv administers oath to Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta

Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta sworn in as Jharkhand Lokayukta by Governor, filling a post vacant since 2021. Oath ceremony attended by CM Hemant Soren.

"The appointment, coming after nearly five years, has raised fresh expectations of greater transparency and accountability - Report"

Ranchi, April 21

Jharkhand on Tuesday got a new Lokayukta after a gap of nearly five years with former state High Court judge Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta being administered the oath of office by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar here on Tuesday.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Durbar Hall of the Lok Bhavan in Ranchi. After administering the oath, the Governor congratulated Justice Gupta and wished him a successful and impactful tenure.

At the start of the ceremony, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar read out the warrant related to the appointment of the Lokayukta. Following this, the Governor's Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Kulkarni invited the newly appointed Lokayukta to take the oath.

The post of Lokayukta in Jharkhand has been lying vacant since June 2021. The appointment, coming after nearly five years, has raised fresh expectations of greater transparency and accountability in the state's administration.

Earlier this month, the Jharkhand High Court had directed the state government to expedite the appointment process for constitutional posts, including that of the Lokayukta, State Human Rights Commission, and the State Information Commission, and fill these posts in 10 days, warning of consequences if not done.

In compliance, the Governor finally cleared the appointment of Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta on April 16.

Born on May 31, 1959, Justice Gupta completed his law degree and postgraduate studies from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. He began his judicial career as an Additional District Judge in the Bihar Superior Judicial Service on June 11, 1997. In 2013, he was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Jharkhand High Court and retired on May 30, 2021.

Several dignitaries attended the oath-taking ceremony in Ranchi, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore and Dipika Pandey Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Ranchi Mayor Roshni Khalkho, Director General of Police Tadasha Mishra, and senior administrative and police officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a positive step for Jharkhand's governance. The Lokayukta is crucial for checking corruption at the state level. Justice Gupta's experience is impressive. Let's hope this leads to more transparent administration for the people.
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Aman W
Why does it always take a court order for basic governance? Posts lying vacant for years is a failure of the system. Better late than never, but the delay itself raises questions.
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Shreya B
Good to see the appointment. Justice Gupta seems well-qualified. Now, the real test begins. Common people need to have faith that they can approach this office without fear and get justice. Wishing him all the best! 🙏
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Vikram M
The ceremony had all the big names present - CM, Ministers, Mayor, DGP. I hope this isn't just for show. The real work is done quietly, investigating complaints. Let's see if the common man's voice is heard now.
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Nikhil C
A respectful criticism: While I welcome the appointment, the process shouldn't need judicial intervention. It's the government's duty. Also, hope the Lokayukta's office gets adequate staff and budget to function effectively. The intention must be backed by resources.

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