Former SC judge Justice AM Khanwilkar likely to be next Lokpal

During his tenure at the Supreme Court, he dismissed a petition challenging 'clean chit' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots case.

Former Supreme Court judge, Justice AM Khanwilkar, is likely to take charge as next Lokpal, an anti-corruption ombudsman, according to a report by NDTV.

His appointment as the anti-corruption body's chairperson would fill the position lying vacant since May 2022.

The decision was reportedly approved by a high-level committee consisting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Who is Justice AM Khanwilkar?

Justice Khanwilkar has delivered several significant judgments. Just days before his retirement, he chaired benches that upheld the majority of the stringent provisions within the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ruling affirmed the constitutionality of sections related to the arrest of individuals involved in money laundering and the attachment of their properties.

During his tenure at the Supreme Court, he had also dismissed a petition challenging "clean chit" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots case.

On June 24, 2022, a bench led by Justice Khanwilkar rejected a petition by activist Teesta Setalvad and Zakia Jafri, the wife of Congress MP Ehsan Jafri -- who was killed in the Gulbarg Society massacre in Ahmedabad in 2002. The bench deemed the petition lacking in merit and characterised it as an attempt to stir controversy.

Additionally, Justice Khanwilkar presided over the bench that dismissed petitions opposing the construction of the Central Vista and the new Parliament House, clearing the path for these projects despite opposition from social activists and environmentalists.