Mumbai: Former Bombay High Court judge Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre has taken oath as the new Chairman of the Maharashtra Lokayukta. The oath ceremony was held in Mumbai on August 25, 2026.
His appointment is an important development for Maharashtra’s anti-corruption and public grievance redressal system. According to official information, Justice Shukre was sworn in by Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
Who Is Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre
Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre is an Indian jurist, former judge of the Bombay High Court, and the Chairman of the Maharashtra Lokayukta Institution.
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Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Pune University in 1980.
- Completed his LL.B. in 1983 from Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Law College, Amravati (affiliated with Nagpur University), securing second rank in the Order of Merit and winning the Late Kale Memorial Prize for Hindu Law.
- Completed his LL.M. in Constitutional Law from Nagpur University.
Judicial Career
- Started legal practice at Amravati.
- Joined the judiciary as a Direct District Judge from the Bar in 2000.
- Held various key positions, including Principal District Judge (Kolhapur and Nagpur), Registrar (Administration) at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, Joint Director of the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, and Registrar General of the Bombay High Court in 2011.
- Elevated as a Judge of the Bombay High Court on May 13, 2013, where he served for a decade before retiring in October 2023.
Post-Judicial Roles
- Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC): Appointed as Chairperson in December 2023, leading the commission’s comprehensive study on the social, educational, and economic conditions of the Maratha community, which laid the groundwork for subsequent state quota policies.
- Maharashtra Lokayukta: Sworn in as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Lokayukta under the Maharashtra Lokayukta Act, taking charge of the state’s apex anti-corruption and public ombudsman institution.
Justice Sunil Shukre Oath Ceremony Held In Mumbai
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office to Justice Shukre. The ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries. The appointment officially places Justice Shukre at the head of the Maharashtra Lokayukta institution.
Tenure Of The New Chairman
According to the official announcement, Justice Shukre has been appointed for a period of five years or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever occurs earlier.
What Is Maharashtra Lokayukta
The Maharashtra Lokayukta is an independent statutory body that investigates complaints related to corruption, misuse of power, maladministration, and public grievances against government officials and public authorities. It acts as a watchdog institution to improve transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state administration.
Historical Significance
Maharashtra was the first state in India to establish the Lokayukta institution under the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971. The institution became operational in 1972 and has since played an important role in addressing citizens’ complaints against public authorities.
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FAQs
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Maharashtra Lokayukta.
Justice Shukre will serve for five years or until he reaches the age of 70 years, whichever comes first.
