Retired Gujarat High Court judge Justice Biren Vaishnav took the oath as the Lokayukta of Gujarat in a ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries in attendance. Justice Vaishnav, who served on the Gujarat High Court from April 2016 until his retirement in May 2025, has a background in handling various legal matters.
According to an official statement, Justice Vaishnav’s appointment as the state’s Lokayukta, an anti-corruption ombudsman, was met with congratulations from top officials. He has a history of dealing with government service issues, employee rights, and administrative procedures during his judicial career. The Lokayukta institution in Gujarat plays a crucial role in investigating corruption and maladministration allegations involving public servants.
Justice Vaishnav, who also served as Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, has a notable record of judgments emphasizing fair treatment of government employees. His recent rulings have highlighted the importance of not rejecting medical reimbursement claims without proper consideration. The ceremony marking his appointment concluded with well-wishes from senior officials and dignitaries, highlighting the significance of this constitutional role.
