By Molla Jasimuddin
Molla Jasimuddin
Kolkata, September 23, 2026: For many ordinary complainants, seeking redressal through government departments can often mean prolonged delays, repeated visits to police stations and courts, and substantial legal expenses. Against this backdrop, the Lokayukta’s office in Kolkata is emerging as an important forum for addressing long-pending grievances.
West Bengal Lokayukta Justice Rabindranath Samanta, who assumed office on January 9, 2026, brings extensive judicial and administrative experience to the post. He previously served as a district judge and later handled key responsibilities, including that of Registrar General of the Calcutta High Court. After his retirement from the judiciary, he served as Chairperson of the West Bengal Real Estate Appellate Tribunal, where he dealt with a large number of disputes.
According to available figures, 132 complaints had been pending before the West Bengal Lokayukta from 2008 until August 31, 2026. Justice Samanta has disposed of 84 complaints, translating to a disposal rate of more than 60%.
Complainants claim that the Lokayukta office had previously been perceived as slow in delivering tangible relief. However, since Justice Samanta took charge, the office has reportedly been actively examining complaints and seeking reports from senior officials, including Police Commissioners, IGs, DIGs, SPs, District Magistrates and other senior administrative officers.
The proactive approach has also reportedly prompted police and administrative authorities to take complaints more seriously in several cases, with action being initiated even before formal reports are submitted to the Lokayukta.
The developments have brought renewed attention to the role of the Lokayukta as a mechanism through which citizens can seek accountability from public authorities without immediately entering into lengthy and expensive legal proceedings.
