Retired Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta Appointed Jharkhand Lokayukta After Prolonged Vacancy

Brief By Newsbrief / 7:15 PM on 16 Apr 2026

Retired Jharkhand High Court judge Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the state’s Lokayukta, ending a prolonged vacancy in the anti-corruption watchdog’s office. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar approved the state government’s recommendation, and Gupta is expected to take the oath of office soon.

Justice Gupta brings extensive judicial experience, having served as a High Court judge and earlier as chairman of the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission. He also presided over significant cases, including proceedings related to the fodder scam.

The Lokayukta post had remained vacant since the death of former Lokayukta Justice D.N. Upadhyay in 2021, resulting in a backlog of over 4,000 pending complaints. Officials expect Gupta’s appointment to expedite hearings and strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms. The Lokayukta is appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a committee led by the Chief Minister.