📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vice President's Secretariat
Politics
Former High Court Judge Mallikarjuna Rao Sworn In as Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta
✍️ ETLegalWorld.com
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 09:37 PM
👁 1
Former High Court judge Mallikarjuna Rao has taken the oath of office as the new Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh, assuming responsibility for the state’s anti‑corruption watchdog.
Mallikarjuna Rao, who previously served as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, was formally sworn in as the state's Lokayukta on Thursday. The oath ceremony was conducted under the auspices of the state government, marking the commencement of his tenure overseeing the anti‑corruption ombudsman.
As Lokayukta, Rao will be tasked with investigating complaints of maladministration, corruption and abuse of power against public officials and institutions in Andhra Pradesh. The appointment aims to strengthen the state's accountability mechanisms and restore public confidence in governance.
The selection of a former senior judge reflects the government's intent to bring judicial expertise to the role, ensuring that investigations are conducted with legal rigor and impartiality. Rao's first statements emphasized a commitment to swift and transparent inquiry into any allegations brought before his office.
Stakeholders, including civil‑society groups and opposition parties, have welcomed the appointment, noting that a robust Lokayukta can serve as a deterrent against corrupt practices. The office, established under the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta Act, operates independently of the executive, reporting directly to the state legislature.
Rao's tenure will be closely watched as the Lokayukta seeks to address high‑profile cases and implement systemic reforms to curb corruption across the state’s administrative machinery.
As Lokayukta, Rao will be tasked with investigating complaints of maladministration, corruption and abuse of power against public officials and institutions in Andhra Pradesh. The appointment aims to strengthen the state's accountability mechanisms and restore public confidence in governance.
The selection of a former senior judge reflects the government's intent to bring judicial expertise to the role, ensuring that investigations are conducted with legal rigor and impartiality. Rao's first statements emphasized a commitment to swift and transparent inquiry into any allegations brought before his office.
Stakeholders, including civil‑society groups and opposition parties, have welcomed the appointment, noting that a robust Lokayukta can serve as a deterrent against corrupt practices. The office, established under the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta Act, operates independently of the executive, reporting directly to the state legislature.
Rao's tenure will be closely watched as the Lokayukta seeks to address high‑profile cases and implement systemic reforms to curb corruption across the state’s administrative machinery.