Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will be the Chief Guest at the first Lokpal Day celebration on January 16. This event is the first official observance of Lokpal Day, aimed at spreading awareness about the Lokpal’s role in fighting corruption. Justice Khanna’s presence shows the judiciary’s support for the Lokpal’s efforts.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will serve as the chief guest at the inaugural Lokpal Day event on January 16, as announced in an official statement on Wednesday. The Lokpal of India decided during its meeting on March 14, 2024, that January 16 each year will be designated as “Lokpal Day.”
The statement noted,
“The first such commemoration of Lokpal Day is set for January 16, 2025, in the esteemed presence of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna at Zorawar Auditorium, Manekshaw Centre.”
During the event, CJI Khanna is expected to address attendees regarding the role and functions of the ombudsman and discuss future directions.
Read Also: Constitution Day Event | CJI Sanjiv Khanna: “The Better The Bar, The Better The Judges”
Additionally, there will be a ceremony to honor Attorney General of India R. Venkatramani, former Supreme Court judge Justice N. Santosh Hegde, and Padma Bhushan awardee Anna Hazare.
The program is scheduled to commence around 6 PM with the arrival of the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges, high court justices, executive chairpersons and member secretaries of legal services authorities, Lokayuktas and Upalokayuktas from various states, as well as secretaries of the Government of India, heads of investigating agencies, and law officers.
The Lokpal of India is an autonomous statutory body established to handle complaints regarding corruption involving public officials, which includes the Prime Minister, ministers, Members of Parliament, and other public servants.
It was formed under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013, which outlines a framework for combating corruption in public offices throughout India.
Structure and Composition
- Chairperson:
- This position can be held by a sitting or former Chief Justice of India, a Supreme Court judge, or a distinguished individual with expertise in areas such as anti-corruption, public administration, vigilance, or finance.
- Members:
- The Lokpal can have up to eight members, with a requirement that at least 50% are judicial members.
- Additionally, at least half of the members must come from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), minorities, or be women.
Appointment Process
The selection of the Lokpal is carried out by a committee that includes:
- The Prime Minister (serving as Chairperson).
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- The Chief Justice of India or a judge appointed by them.
- An eminent jurist suggested by the President.
Read Also: ‘Judiciary Is An Integral, Yet Distinct Part Of Governance:’ CJI Sanjiv Khanna
The Lokpal of India is an independent body set up under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to fight corruption. Its main job is to look into complaints against public officials, including the Prime Minister, MPs, and other government workers, related to corruption or misuse of power. The Lokpal works independently to make sure the government is honest and transparent. It has the authority to investigate and take action in cases of corruption.
The Lokpal’s goal is to stop corrupt practices, rebuild public trust, and act as a guardian of good governance. It also works with Lokayuktas in the states to handle complaints at the state level, creating a strong anti-corruption system across India.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
