Goa appoints new Lokayukta, months after retd choose give up over inaction on 21 stories
The Goa authorities has determined to nominate Justice (retd) Ambadas Joshi, a retired choose of the Bombay High Court, as the brand new Lokayukta — almost seven months after the final ombudsman retired following the state authorities’s inaction on 21 of his stories.
Justice (retd) Prafulla Kumar Misra, who retired as Lokayukta in September, 2020, had mentioned on the time of his departure that the Lokayukta Act in Goa was toothless and the anti-corruption authority within the state lacked the powers of these in Karnataka and Kerala. “If the Lokayukta Act is being thrown into the dustbin with such force, then it’s better to abolish the Lokayukta,” retired Justice Misra had then mentioned.
On January 27, the Goa Assembly handed the Goa Lokayukta Amendment Bill — proposed by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who additionally holds the vigilance portfolio.
On Saturday, Congress leaders in Goa mentioned that Justice Joshi, a retired choose of the Bombay High Court, should maintain a gathering with Justice (retd) Misra earlier than he takes cost. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar mentioned, “With the former Lokayukta Justice P K Misra directing the BJP government to investigate almost 21 cases of their own government and as many cases pending… it is loud and clear that it will be a challenging task before the new Lokayukta to be upright, honest and committed.”
The modification Bill handed in January introduced modifications to eight sections of the Lokayukta Act, 2011. Following the amendments, retired judges of the High Court could be appointed as Lokayukta as in opposition to the sooner requirement of a retired SC choose or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court. The amendments additionally struck out complaints in opposition to holders of public places of work for nepotism, maladministration, lack of integrity and improper or corrupt motive.
When contacted by The Sunday Express, Justice (retd) Joshi refused to remark.
