The government of Goa has finalised the appointment of former Bombay High Court judge, Justice Sandeep Shinde, as the state's next Lokayukta. This crucial decision fills a significant vacancy that had left the anti-corruption watchdog inactive for approximately six months.
Government Finalises Key Appointment
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made the official announcement on Wednesday, confirming that the state government will appoint Justice Shinde to the pivotal post. The selection process involved a meeting where two names were reportedly discussed. The meeting saw the participation of the Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, indicating a consultative approach in the selection.
The post had been lying vacant since December 2024, following the conclusion of the tenure of the previous Lokayukta, Justice (retd) Ambadas Joshi. Justice Joshi, also a former Bombay High Court judge, was himself appointed in April 2021. His appointment came after a gap of around six months, following the end of his predecessor Justice (retd) P K Misra's term on September 17, 2020.
A History of Vacancies and Withdrawals
The journey to appoint a permanent Lokayukta in Goa has seen its share of delays. Prior to Justice Joshi's appointment, the state government had finalised the name of Justice (retd) U V Bakre for the role. However, in a surprising turn of events in March 2021, Justice Bakre withdrew his consent to be appointed, citing "personal reasons" for his decision. This withdrawal further extended the period during which the office remained without a permanent head.
Pending Cases and Functional Impact
The extended vacancy has had a direct impact on the functioning of the anti-corruption body. With the office being non-functional, a backlog of cases has accumulated. It is reported that around 14 cases are currently pending before the Lokayukta, awaiting attention and resolution. The appointment of Justice Shinde is therefore seen as a critical step towards reactivating the institution and addressing this backlog.
The appointment of a Lokayukta is a vital component of the state's governance framework, intended to investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries. The filling of this position by a respected former High Court judge is expected to restore the office's operational capacity and reinforce the mechanisms for accountability in Goa's administration.
