Understanding India's First Lokpal Appointment in March 2019

The question asks about the individual appointed as India's first Lokpal in March 2019. The Lokpal is a crucial independent body that deals with complaints of corruption against public functionaries at the central level in India. The establishment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas institution is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Following the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the process for appointing the Lokpal involves a selection committee. The appointment of the first Lokpal was a much-anticipated event.

In March 2019, the Indian government officially appointed the first Lokpal of India.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Justice N V Ramana
• Justice S A Bobde
• Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose
• Justice A K Sikri

Based on the official appointment made in March 2019, the individual who became India's first Lokpal was Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose.

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and was also a member of the National Human Rights Commission before his appointment as the Lokpal.

Let's briefly consider the other options in the context of their roles around that time, although they were not appointed as the first Lokpal:

• Justice N V Ramana: Was a judge of the Supreme Court at the time and later became the Chief Justice of India.
• Justice S A Bobde: Was a judge of the Supreme Court at the time and later became the Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
• Justice A K Sikri: Was a judge of the Supreme Court at the time and retired in March 2019. He was part of the selection panel for the Lokpal.

Therefore, the correct answer is the individual who was appointed as the first Lokpal in March 2019.

The person appointed as India's first Lokpal was Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose.

Revision Table: India's First Lokpal

Additional Information on Lokpal and Anti-Corruption

The Lokpal is the apex body in India to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries, including the Prime Minister, ministers, and Members of Parliament, as well as group 'A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' officers and officials of the central government. Key aspects of the Lokpal institution include:

• Mandate: To inquire into complaints of corruption.
• Structure: Consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight members.
• Selection: The Chairperson and members are appointed by the President based on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee includes the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India (or a Judge nominated by the CJI), and an eminent jurist nominated by the Chairperson and members of the Committee.
• Purpose: Aims to provide a mechanism for citizens to report corruption and ensures accountability among public servants.

The establishment of the Lokpal was a result of years of public demand for a strong anti-corruption ombudsman.