THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 10: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed the State government to complete the appointment of the Lokayukta within six weeks, taking serious note of the fact that the crucial anti-corruption watchdog post has remained vacant for nearly four years.
The direction was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar while hearing a batch of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by the Advocates’ Association and others, highlighting large-scale vacancies in statutory and constitutional bodies in the state.
PILs Flag Failure to Appoint Lokayukta
The controversy dates back to multiple PILs filed since 2020, alleging that the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government had failed to appoint key institutional heads, including the Lokayukta, despite statutory mandates under the Jharkhand Lokayukta Act, 2001.
Petitioners argued that the prolonged vacancy of the Lokayukta—an institution meant to probe corruption against public servants and political executives—has effectively weakened the anti-corruption framework in Jharkhand, denying citizens an independent grievance redress mechanism.
Advocate General Assures Appointment Within Six Weeks
During the hearing, Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan informed the court that the State has initiated expeditious steps for the appointment of the Lokayukta and assured that the process would be completed within six weeks, following all prescribed legal procedures.
The High Court formally recorded and accepted this assurance as a statement made on behalf of the State government.
Court Seeks Compliance Report From Chief Secretary
The Bench directed the State and all concerned authorities to take effective steps consistent with the assurance, noting the submission of the petitioners’ counsel that the Lokayukta post has remained vacant for the last four years.
The court further ordered that a compliance report must be filed by the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand before the next date of hearing.
Other Statutory Vacancies Also Under Court Scrutiny
The High Court also took note of vacancies in several other statutory bodies. Regarding the appointment of the State Chief Information Commissioner and members of the Information Commission, the Advocate General informed the court that the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, and that the State would comply with the apex court’s directions.
As for vacancies in the Jharkhand Educational Tribunal, Women’s Commission, and State Human Rights Commission, the State was directed to file an affidavit within four weeks, clearly indicating timelines for filling these posts.
Next Hearing on March 17
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 17, 2026, by which time all affidavits and compliance reports are required to be submitted.