Jharkhand High Court resumes hearing on Lokayukta vacancy

Mail News Service

Ranchi, Nov 20: The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday held another hearing in the long-running public interest litigation demanding the appointment of a new Lokayukta, a post that has been vacant for more than four years.

The vacancy has sparked repeated judicial criticism and public concern over governance and accountability in the state.

At today’s hearing, the court expressed growing frustration with the government’s delay in filling the post.

Observers say the bench weighed in sharply, questioning whether the prolonged vacancy reflects deeper problems in political will.

In earlier hearings, the High Court had raised “serious questions” over the government’s intention, remarking that the continued vacancy could undermine anti-corruption safeguards.

The court had earlier committed to weekly hearings on the issue until a Lokayukta is appointed, effectively signaling zero tolerance for further delays.

Notably, the Lokayukta is Jharkhand’s primary anti-corruption ombudsman, with investigative power.

Without a head, the institution’s effectiveness is severely hampered.

For over four years, cases have reportedly gone uninvestigated, raising fears of impunity for corrupt officials.

The last Lokayukta, Justice D.N. Upadhyay, passed away on 29 June 2021, leaving the post unfilled since then.

The court is expected to issue further directions by its next scheduled hearing (likely soon), possibly tightening deadlines or demanding firmer guarantees from the government.