Patna High Court Seeks Explanation Over Three-Year Lokayukta Vacancy

Brief By Newsbrief / 10:10 AM on 16 Jul 2026

Patna: The Patna High Court has expressed serious concern over the prolonged vacancy in the post of Bihar Lokayukta, which has remained unfilled since February 2022 following the retirement of Justice Shyam Kishore Sharma. Hearing a petition filed by Vijay Shah, Justice Anshuman directed the Bihar government to explain why no appointment has been made despite the statutory requirement. The court asked the Chief Secretary to file a detailed affidavit within four weeks, warning that failure to do so would require a virtual appearance before the bench. It also directed the petitioner to implead the Chief Secretary as a party to the case. During the hearing, the court noted that the absence of a Lokayukta for more than three years hampers statutory and judicial functions and cannot be ignored. The matter will be heard again after the state government submits its response.