IT News
Imphal, Nov 23:
The position of Chairperson of the Manipur Lokayukta has been vacant for over five months, raising serious concerns about the state government’s commitment to combating corruption.
The Lokayukta is empowered to investigate corruption allegations against the Chief Minister, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), government officials, and employees of public sector undertakings. It also addresses administrative inefficiency and public grievances related to government actions.
Established on April 1, 2016, under the Manipur Lokayukta Act, 2014, the Lokayukta plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability in governance. However, this prolonged vacancy has rendered the institution non-functional.
Retired Justice T. Nandakumar Singh was appointed as its first Chairperson on May 7, 2019, and sworn in alongside Retired Justice Basu Deo Agarwal (Judicial Member) and Retired IAS officer Ameising Luikham (Non-Judicial Member). Justice T. Nandakumar retired on January 31, 2024. Following his retirement, Ameising Luikham was given charge as Acting Chairperson. However, Ameising Luikham retired on June 18, 2024. Since then, the Chairperson’s post has remained vacant, halting the hearing of pending cases and the registration of new complaints.
Without a functional head, the Lokayukta’s ability to process complaints and deliver justice has been severely impaired. “The absence of a Chairperson undermines the very purpose of the Lokayukta, which is to act as a watchdog against corruption. It sends a troubling signal that the fight against corruption may not be a priority for the government,” said a senior lawyer practicing in the High Court.
The vacancy has directly impacted the public, particularly those seeking justice for corruption-related grievances. Citizens who have lodged complaints face indefinite delays, while whistleblowers and victims are left without recourse.
Public confidence in the Lokayukta and the government’s anti-corruption agenda has eroded. Many citizens are now skeptical about whether their grievances will ever be addressed. The inability to file fresh cases has only deepened the crisis.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The longer the Lokayukta remains leaderless, the more corruption cases are likely to pile up, further complicating their resolution once a Chairperson is eventually appointed.
Critics argue that the inaction either reflects administrative inefficiency or a deliberate attempt to weaken the institution. “A transparent and prompt appointment process is essential. Prolonging the vacancy weakens public confidence in governance,” said a prominent anti-corruption activist.
The failure to appoint a Chairperson also contradicts Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s public commitments to eradicating corruption in Manipur. Critics assert that bold statements must be backed by decisive action to restore faith in governance.
As corruption continues to plague public institutions, the dormant state of the Lokayukta has only added to citizens’ frustrations. There is growing public demand for the swift and transparent appointment of a qualified Chairperson to restore the institution’s functionality.
The question remains: Can the fight against corruption succeed when the very institutions meant to uphold justice and accountability are incapacitated?
