Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Mar 17: Former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose is set to be the first Lokpal of India.

One of the leading names for the post, his name was shortlisted by the Lokpal Search Committee and on Friday the Lokpal Selection Committee comprising prime minister, chief justice of India, Lok Sabha speaker and an eminent jurist finalized Justice Ghose name.

The official appointment notification is most likely expected early next week.

Ghose who is a member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had retired as Supreme Court Judge in May 2017.

The Lokpal will have the authority under the law to investigate complaints against current and former prime ministers, Union ministers, members of Parliament, government employees and employees of public sector undertakings, and key employees of non-governmental organisations receiving more than Rs 10 lakh a year in foreign contributions, among others.

While the appointment has come through after five years after the Lokpal Act was notified, appointing Justice Ghose has triggered a controversy as the opposition did not have a say.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who was extended a ‘special invitee’ to the selection committee, refused to attend as he was not given the right to vote. He termed opposition as ‘voiceless’ in a very important selection.