Justice P Lakshmana Reddy appointed as 1st Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh

Justice P Lakshmana Reddy, a retired judge of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh High Court was sworn-in as the first Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh. His oath to office was administered by Governor Biswabhusan Hairchandan at a function held in Vijayawada. Chief Minister of state Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, judges of High Court and senior state government officials presided over the event.

Key Highlights

Justice P Lakshmana Reddy would serve in office of Lokayukta for 5 years. He is first Lokayukta to be assuming charge since the state bifurcated in 2014.

The current YSR Congress government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy amended the Lokayukta Act in recent state budget session. This enabled the appointment of a retired judge as Lokayukta, paving the way for constituting corruption-probing body.

The legislation establishing Lokayukta is part of state government policy to provide transparent and corruption-free governance.

What is Lokayukta?

Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman organization in states. A Lokayukta investigates allegations of corruption and irregularities against officials and is tasked with speedy redressal of public grievances.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2019