Justice Ajay Manikrao (AM) Khanwilkar, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Lokpal of India brings a wealth of legal experience and a steadfast commitment to justice to his new role, have a look at his biography and education
Jutice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar who took over for Pinaki Chandra Ghose in May 2022 after a two-year term will be the second Lokpal of India. Currently Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty who is a former Jharkhand High Court chief justice is serving as the interim chair and a judge on Lokpal’s board.
Who is Justice Ajay Manikrao (AM) Khanwilkar new Lokpal Chairperson, biography, age, education, history and career
66-year-old Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was born on July 30, 1957 in Pune, Maharashtra. Justice Khanwilkar’s journey in the legal field began with humble roots, eventually culminating in a distinguished career on the bench.
After graduating from the Mulund College of Commerce, Justice Khanwilkar earned his law degree from KC Law College, Mumbai University. His legal practice began in 1982 by appearing in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, including the Bombay High Court. Details about Justice Ajay’s family are not known.
Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar career
In 1984, Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar transitioned to practicing in the Supreme Court of India, eventually serving as the Standing Counsel for Maharashtra and Additional Government Advocate for the State.
Justice Khanwilkar assumed office as an additional judge of the Bombay High Court in 2000 and was subsequently confirmed as a permanent judge on April 8, 2002. He subsequently served as Chief Justice of the High Courts of Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2016.
Throughout his tenure on the judiciary bench, Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar presided over numerous significant cases, demonstrating his dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.
Notable among his judgments is his involvement in high-profile cases such as the Gujarat Riots investigation closure report, where he dismissed a plea challenging the acceptance of a closure report by the Gujarat Special Investigation Team (SIT). In this case, Justice Khanwilkar’s bench upheld the Gujarat High Court’s decision, emphasizing the need for due process and integrity in legal proceedings.
Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar appointed as the new Lokpal of India. pic.twitter.com/NtGo6EI44H
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Additionally, Justice Khanwilkar played a pivotal role in upholding the constitutional validity of amendments to the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act, 2010, demonstrating his commitment to regulatory transparency and accountability, even in the face of opposition from NGOs.
In his capacity as Chairperson of the Lokpal, Justice Khanwilkar’s primary responsibility is to lead the anti-corruption authority in investigating allegations of corruption against public functionaries. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, mandates that the Chairperson be a former Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court judge, or an eminent person with a deep understanding of legal complexities.
Justice Khanwilkar’s extensive experience on the bench makes him well-suited to lead the Lokpal and address the concerns and aspirations of Indian citizens for clean governance.
Committed to eradicating corruption in public life, the Lokpal under Justice Khanwilkar’s leadership is poised to serve the public interest and uphold the principles of integrity and accountability. With his unwavering dedication to justice and his proven track record of upholding the law, Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar is poised to steer the Lokpal towards fulfilling its crucial mandate in combating corruption.