(Image source from: tweeted by @rashtrapatibhvn)

Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose took oath as country’s First Lokpal or anti corruption ombudsman today.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office at a ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Vice President M.Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.

He was selected by committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the panel also includes Chief Justice of India, Lok Sabha Speaker, leader of opposition in lower house, eminent Jurist.

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, 66, retired as Supreme Court judge in May 2017. He was serving as a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) since June 29, 2017.

Lokpal act passed in 2013, it is the authority under the law to investigate complaints against current and former prime ministers, ministers, members of Parliament, government employees, among others.

Justices Pradip Kumar Mohanty, Dilip B. Bhosale, Abhilasha Kumari, Ajay Kumar Tripathi have been appointed as Judicial members of Lokpal.

Former Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) chief Archana Ramasundaram, Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Indrajeet Prasad Gautam, Mahender Singh have been appointed as non Judicial members of Lokpal.

The chairperson and other members shall hold office for a term of five years or till they attain 70 years of age.

By Sai Kumar