Retired Justice Sunil Shukre of Bombay High Court took oath as Lokayukta of Maharashtra. Governor Jishnu Dev Verma administered the oath of office to Shukre in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Assembly Speaker Advocate Rahul Narvekar, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, senior administrative officers and other dignitaries were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Sunil Shukre and wished him all the best for his new responsibility. Lokayukta is considered an important constitutional post to address the wrongdoings, corruption and public grievances in the state administration. It is expected that the appointment of Sunil Shukre, who has long experience in the judicial field, will further strengthen the functioning of the Lokayukta institution.
Sunil Shukre has been appointed as the state begins implementing the revised Lokayukta framework under the Maharashtra Lokayukta Act, 2023, which was amended in 2025. According to this Act, a judge of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of the High Court or a current or former judge of the Bombay High Court can be appointed Chairman of the Lokayukta. The tenure of Lokayukta will be for five years or till the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. Since Shukre is below 70 years of age, he can serve the full five-year term.
Justice Shukre has over three decades of experience in constitutional, administrative and public interest litigation. He was promoted to the Bombay High Court in 2013. He was also associated with the Nagpur bench for many years. He has worked on many constitutional, civil and important public interest litigation.
After retirement, he took up the responsibility of Chairman of Maharashtra State Backward Classes Commission. His role was also important in the Maratha reservation process. In February 2024, the commission submitted a report to then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on the social, educational and economic condition of the Maratha community. Based on the results of this report, a law was enacted providing 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community in the state.
Powers of Lokayukta
Talking about the responsibilities of the Lokayukta Chairperson, it includes investigating allegations of bribery and corruption made by government employees, redressing the complaints of common people, taking cognizance of complaints against state ministers, MLAs and senior officials. Besides, irregularities in district councils, municipal corporations and other local bodies also have to be investigated. According to the new law, the Lokayukta chairperson also has the power to investigate complaints against the Chief Minister, subject to certain conditions. Even in the absence of a direct complaint, if any wrongdoing comes to light through newspaper reports or other media, initiate an investigation on one's own, order the presence of any person or official, and seize government records and evidence necessary for the investigation. If the allegations are proved, the Lokayukta has the power to recommend the government to file a legal case against the culprits or suspend them.
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