Who was given the charge of Chairperson, Lokpal after the completion of the term of Justice P.C. Ghose?

The correct answer is Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty.

Key Points

• Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty was appointed as the interim Chairperson of the Lokpal after the completion of the term of Justice P.C. Ghose.
• Justice Mohanty previously served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
• He was also a judge at the Orissa High Court before his appointment at the Jharkhand High Court.
• The Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or ombudsman who represents the public interest in India.

Additional Information

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
  • This act provides for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayuktas for states to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries.
  • The Lokpal has jurisdiction over all Members of Parliament and central government employees in cases of corruption.
  • The Lokpal is chaired by a sitting or former Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.
  • The Lokpal has eight members, half of whom must be judicial members.
• Historical Background
  • The concept of an ombudsman for India was first proposed in Parliament in the early 1960s.
  • The term "Lokpal" was coined by Dr. L.M. Singhvi.
  • Several attempts were made to pass the Lokpal Bill in Parliament from 1968 to 2013.
• Justice P.C. Ghose
  • Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose was the first Lokpal of India, appointed in March 2019.
  • He served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India before his appointment as Lokpal.