Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that the process of appointing a new Lokayukta is in progress and is expected to be completed within six weeks. Accepting this assurance, the court disposed of the petition filed by TMC leader Trajano D’Mello, who had sought action over the prolonged vacancy in the State’s anti-corruption ombudsman’s office.
The Directorate of Vigilance had first written to the Chief Secretary in February 2025 to begin shortlisting candidates, but the procedure saw little movement until recently. The post of Lokayukta has remained vacant since December 2024, nearly two months after the tenure of Justice (Retd.) Ambadas Joshi came to an end. As a result, around 20 corruption-related cases continue to remain pending before the office.
Justice Joshi had been appointed to the post in April 2021, following a six-month gap after the term of Justice (Retd.) P. K. Misra ended in September 2020. A previous nominee, Justice (Retd.) U. V. Bakre, had withdrawn his consent in March 2021 due to personal reasons.
At present, the State government has received three recommendations from retired judges — one each from Goa, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. A high-level selection committee comprising Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao will take the final decision on the appointment once a suitable candidate is identified.
