Shillong, Nov 6: Fours after the Meghalaya Lokyukta Act, 2014 came into force, Meghalaya on Tuesday got its first chairperson with the swearing in of former judge of Gauhati High Court, Justice Pranoy Kumar Musahary.

The oath of office and secrecy to Musahary was administered by Meghalaya Governor, Tathagata Roy at the Raj Bhavan here.

Few ministers which include Tourism Minister, Metbah Lyngdoh, Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, Leader of Opposition in Assembly, Dr Mukul Sangma besides civil and police officers attended the swearing in ceremony.

Assembly Speaker, Dr Donkupar Roy, Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, Home Minister, James K. Sangma, and other ministers were not present.

Along with the chairperson, the Meghalaya Lokayukta comprises of four members, who would be appointed by the state government soon.

The Meghalaya Lokyukta Act came into force in 2014.  It provides for the establishment of Lokayukta in the state to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries, right from the chief minister, deputy chief minister, minister, speaker and deputy speaker of Assembly, members of the state legislature, officers and employees and others.

The Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014 which repealed the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2012 was first introduced in the state Assembly on March 7, 2014 by former chief minister, Mukul Sangma during the Congress-led government. The Bill was then passed by the House unanimously.

In a brief interaction with media persons, the Lokyukta chief urged the people of the state to cooperate with the  Lokyukta and file complaints against those who indulged in corruption.

“I appeal to the public to cooperate with the Lokayukta and file complaints against people who indulge in corruption,” Musahary said.

Urging the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government to take steps to appoint the four members of the Lokayukta immediately, the Lokyukta chairperson also requested the government to appoint officers like the secretary to the Lokayukta and officers in the rank of superintendent of police who would make preliminary inquiry into allegations made in the complaint.

“Let the complaint first come and we will see to it. For a time being, I am alone.  I will ask the police authorities to make preliminary inquiries and I will pass necessary orders along with the members,” he said.

The select committee of the state government had in July this year recommended the name of Musahary as the Lokayukta chairperson.

The state was earlier getting pressure from various social activists to speed up the formation of the Meghalaya Lokayukta to investigate into corruption charges brought out by the public.  

The Supreme Court had also pressurized various states in the country including Meghalaya to complete the process of constituting the Lokayukta at the earliest.