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Pinaki Chandra Ghose - India’s first Lokpal, the highest anti-corruption officer in the country.

India got its first Lokpal on March 19, 2019 with the appointment of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as the Chairperson of Lokpal, six years after the passage of Act. Ghose took over the office on March 23, 2019 after administering oath of office.

Who is Lokpal?

Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, Lokpal is the first of its kind institution in India. It is a multimember body with a Chairperson and Members.

The Lokpal basically inquires and investigates into the corruption cases against the public servants who fall within the scope of the Lokpal Act, including the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers.

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 calls for setting up Lokpal at the centre and Lokayuktas at the State level.

The Lokpal is appointed by a high-level selection committee headed by Prime Minister. The Committee also consists of Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition Party (LoP), Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist.