Ashim Kumar Roy:
- Ashim Kumar Roy will be the second Lokayukta of the State after Samaresh Banerjee, who had served between 2006 and 2009. There has been no Lokayukta in the State since 2009.
- Justice Roy is presently serving as chairperson of the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC). Justice Soumitra Roy will be the new chairman of WBCERC.
Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2018
- Earlier this year, the West Bengal Assembly had passed the Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
- It keeps the Chief Minister out of its purview in matters relating to public order.
- An investigation against a public servant cannot be carried out without the approval of the State government.
- Justification by government:
- The provisions of excluding CM are in line with the section 41(1)(a) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 which excludes Prime Minister from the purview of investigation of the Lokpal.
- Other than public order, the Lokayukta can investigate any corruption related complaint against the CM with the approval of Legislative Assembly, by a majority of 2/3rd members present and voting.
