Ex Supreme Court Judge A M Khanwilkar, New Lokpal Chairperson

Published on 29 February 2024 by

Overview

A M Khanwilkar: In a significant development, former Supreme Court Judge Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal. This appointment comes nearly two years after the position fell vacant, leaving the Lokpal operating without a permanent chief since the conclusion of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose’s term on May 27, 2022.

A M Khanwilkar Appointment Process

The decision to appoint Khanwilkar was made through discussions by a high-level committee, comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, a judicial member of the Lokpal, has been serving as the acting chairperson during the interim period.

His Judicial Career and Advocacy

Justice AM Khanwilkar, a first-generation lawyer, retired from the Supreme Court in 2022 after a commendable six-year tenure. Throughout his judicial career, he was a staunch advocate for individual privacy and judicial transparency. He authored 226 judgments and played a pivotal role in several landmark rulings.

A M Khanwilkar Notable Contributions

Justice Khanwilkar made headlines for his significant contributions, including his role in delivering the Aadhaar judgment, emphasizing the right to privacy. He was also part of the bench that decriminalized adultery in India, stating, “Mere adultery can’t be a criminal offense. It is a matter of privacy. Husband is not the master of the wife. Women should be treated with equality along with men.”

Social and Legal Initiatives

Born into an agricultural family in Pune, Justice A M Khanwilkar showcased a commitment to social and legal causes early in his career. He served as Amicus Curiae on environmental issues and participated in a task force examining the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. Notably, he played a crucial role in approving the assessment scheme for CBSE students during the pandemic, endorsed live-streaming of court proceedings, and issued directives against honour killings, mob lynching, and hate speeches.

Landmark Judgments

Justice Khanwilkar left an indelible mark on legal history with his involvement in landmark judgments such as the recognition of the right to die with dignity and upholding the powers of the Enforcement Directorate in combating money laundering. He was also part of the bench that gave the historic judgment decriminalizing Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, making private homosexual relations legal in the country.

A M Khanwilkar Diverse Legal Experience

Besides his tenure as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanwilkar served as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the Himachal Pradesh High Court, along with being a judge of the Bombay High Court.

Conclusion

The appointment of Justice AM Khanwilkar as the Chairperson of Lokpal is a significant step towards strengthening the anti-corruption mechanism in India. His diverse legal experience, commitment to individual rights, and involvement in landmark judgments make him a formidable leader for the crucial role of heading the Lokpal.