Is Retired Justice Rabindranath Samanta the New Lokayukta for Bengal?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the West Bengal government has recommended retired Justice Rabindranath Samanta as the new Lokayukta. This appointment comes after a meeting led by CM Mamata Banerjee, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption in the state. What does this mean for transparency and accountability?
Key Takeaways
- Retired Justice Rabindranath Samanta has been recommended as the new Lokayukta.
- The appointment follows a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
- Justice Samanta has over three decades of legal experience.
- The Lokayukta is key to investigating governmental corruption.
- Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari boycotted the meeting, citing concerns over corruption.
Kolkata, Dec 1 (NationPress) The government of West Bengal has put forth the name of retired Justice Rabindranath Samanta for the position of the state’s new Lokayukta. This recommendation follows the annual meeting of the Lokayukta Committee, presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Justice Samanta, who concluded his tenure as a judge of the Calcutta High Court in June 2023, is set to take over from Justice (Retired) Ashim Kumar Roy, who held the Lokayukta role from November 2018 until August 2025, after receiving a two-year extension in 2023.
The nomination was made by a panel led by the chief minister, and the final appointment will be executed by Governor CV Ananda Bose, after which Justice Samanta will take the oath of office.
Justice Samanta's appointment marks the culmination of a judicial career that spans over three decades. This includes significant roles in various magistrate and district courts, serving as Registrar of the Calcutta High Court, and later as Chief Judge of the City Civil Court before his elevation to the Calcutta High Court bench in 2021. Currently, he is the chairperson of the West Bengal Real Estate Appellate Tribunal.
Similar to the Lokpal at the national level, the Lokayukta serves as a state-level anti-corruption authority, tasked with investigating allegations against government officials and public servants to promote accountability and transparency.
On another note, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, chose to boycott the meeting for the fourth consecutive year, stating, "I refuse to attend the Lokayukta meeting. I will not associate with a chief minister presiding over a corrupt administration. Witnessing our party MP Khagen Murmu in such a state, no rational individual would sit beside those responsible for the suffering of BJP workers," Adhikari expressed on Friday.
In a letter directed to the state government, the BJP MLA claimed that the administration has consistently violated constitutional principles, asserting that his presence would legitimize an unconstitutional process.
Point of View
The appointment of Justice Rabindranath Samanta as Lokayukta is a significant step towards reinforcing judicial integrity within West Bengal. It reflects the government's commitment to combating corruption and enhancing transparency in public services. However, the ongoing political tensions and opposition boycotts highlight the challenges that remain in ensuring a unified approach to governance. NationPress will continue to monitor developments closely.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Lokayukta of West Bengal?
The new Lokayukta of West Bengal is retired Justice Rabindranath Samanta, recommended by the state government.
What role does the Lokayukta play?
The Lokayukta is a state-level anti-corruption authority that investigates complaints against government officials and public servants.
Who did Justice Samanta succeed as Lokayukta?
Justice Samanta succeeds Justice (Retired) Ashim Kumar Roy, who served from November 2018 until August 2025.
Why did Suvendu Adhikari boycott the meeting?
Suvendu Adhikari boycotted the meeting due to concerns about the government's corruption, stating he would not sit with a corrupt administration.
What is the significance of this appointment?
This appointment is significant as it aims to enhance accountability and transparency in West Bengal's governance.
