India`s first Lokpal

India first lokpal

Question: Who will become the first Lokpal of India as per the Lokpal Act, 2013?
(a) Ajit Mohanty
(b) AK Sikri
(c) PC Ghose
(d) Markandey Katju
Answer: (c)
Related facts:

  • Pinaki Chandra Ghose will become the first Lokpal of India. His name was approved by the high level selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • The name of other members is also finalised.
  • The Committee included Chief Justice of Supreme Court Ranjan Gogoi, Speaker Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi as its members.

Pinaki Chandra Ghose:

  • He was appointed as judge of Calcutta High Court in 1997.
  • He later became the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and was elevated to Supreme Court in 2013.
  • He is currently a member of the National Human Rights Council (NHRC).

Lokpal Act 2013:

  • This Act was passed in 2013 and provisions made to set up Lokpal at the centre and Lokayuktas in state.
  • It was setup to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
  • This act is applied to public servants in and outside India.
  • The appointment came after Supreme Court asked the Centre to appoint Lokpal.

Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-sc-judge-pinaki-chandra-ghose-tipped-to-be-indias-first-lokpal/article26559961.ece https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/The%20Lokpal%20and%20Lokayuktas%20Act%2C%202013.pdf