Former Gujarat High Court Judge Justice Biren Vaishnav Sworn In As Gujarat Lokayukta

Former Gujarat High Court judge Justice Biren Vaishnav has taken oath as the Lokayukta of Gujarat at a ceremony held in Gandhinagar. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath at Lok Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers and senior government officials. Justice Vaishnav’s appointment comes nearly a year after his retirement from the Gujarat High Court.

Justice Vaishnav served as a judge of the High Court from 2016 till his retirement on May 21, 2025. During his tenure, he dealt with several important civil and criminal matters and was known for his experience in service and constitutional cases.

Born on May 22, 1963, in New Delhi, Justice Vaishnav completed his B.A. in Economics from St. Xavier’s College. He later obtained his law degree from Sir L.A. Shah Law College.

He enrolled with the Bar Council of Gujarat in 1987 and started practising in civil and criminal litigation. Between 1991 and 1995, he represented the Gujarat Government in matters related to government employees.

After beginning independent practice in 1995, Justice Vaishnav appeared for several government bodies and institutions. He was associated with organisations such as the Gujarat Land Development Corporation, Gujarat Public Service Commission and Gujarat Pollution Control Board. He also served as Standing Counsel for the Election Commission of India from 1999 to 2016.

Justice Vaishnav was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court on April 6, 2016. He became a permanent judge on March 15, 2018. His appointment as Lokayukta is expected to strengthen the anti-corruption institution in the State.