Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi has been sworn in as a judicial member of the Lokpal, marking a pivotal moment in the strengthening of the country’s anti-corruption framework. The oath ceremony, which took place at the Lokpal of India office in New Delhi, was presided over by Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, Chairperson of the Lokpal of India.
Accompanying Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi in the oath-taking were Shri Pankaj Kumar and Shri Ajay Tirkey, who assumed their roles as members of the Lokpal, signifying a bolstering of the anti-corruption watchdog’s ranks. The event was attended by Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava, Central Vigilance Commissioner, and other senior officials from the CBI and ED, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
These appointments come at a crucial juncture, following the completion of the tenures of two existing Judicial Members, namely Justice P. K. Mohanty and Justice Abhilasha Kumari, and three Members, namely Shri D. K. Jain, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram, and Shri Mahender Singh, on March 26, 2024. The infusion of new talent into the Lokpal is expected to invigorate its efforts in combating corruption and upholding transparency in governance.
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission of India and as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. His appointment as a Judicial Member of the Lokpal reflects a commitment to appointing individuals with a proven track record of upholding the principles of justice and integrity.
Similarly, Shri Pankaj Kumar, a seasoned 1986 batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, and Shri Ajay Tirkey, an accomplished 1987 batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, have assumed their roles as Members of the Lokpal. Prior to their appointments, Kumar served as the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, while Tirkey held the position of Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, Government of India.
The new appointments underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the Lokpal and ensuring its effectiveness in combating corruption at all levels. With a diverse and experienced team in place, the Lokpal is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of the nation and upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and justice.
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