Which of the following judges served as the first Lokayukta (anti corruption ombudsman) of the National Capital Territory of Delhi?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to institutions designed to check corruption and maladministration in India, specifically the office of the Lokayukta in Delhi. The Lokayukta is an anti corruption ombudsman at the state or union territory level. Knowing who served as the first Lokayukta in a major region like Delhi is a part of general knowledge about governance and accountability mechanisms.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The office under discussion is the Lokayukta of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• The question asks you to identify the first person to hold this office.
• Four names of judges who have served at different times as Lokayuktas of Delhi are given as options.

Concept / Approach:
The Lokayukta is appointed to investigate complaints of corruption, abuse of office and maladministration against public functionaries. In Delhi, the first Lokayukta appointed after the institution was created was Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal. Later, other judges such as Justice Mohd. Shamim, Justice Manmohan Sarin and Justice Reva Khetrapal also served as Lokayuktas. Since the question asks about the first holder of the office, you must identify the earliest appointment among the listed names.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that several retired judges of High Courts have successively served as Lokayukta of Delhi.Step 2: Remember that Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal is recognised as the first Lokayukta of Delhi.Step 3: Note that the other names in the options, such as Justice Mohd. Shamim, Justice Manmohan Sarin and Justice Reva Khetrapal, are associated with later tenures.Step 4: Therefore, select option D, Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal, as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
One way to verify is to recall the chronological order of Lokayuktas in Delhi, where Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal is usually mentioned first, followed by other judges in later years. If you remember that Justice Reva Khetrapal is a more recent Lokayukta and that Justice Manmohan Sarin and Justice Mohd. Shamim also served later, it becomes clear that the only candidate for the first Lokayukta is Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Justice Manmohan Sarin did serve as Lokayukta of Delhi but not as the first; his tenure came after earlier appointments.Option B: Justice Reva Khetrapal served as Lokayukta at a later stage and is known for more recent decisions, not the initial establishment of the office.Option C: Justice Mohd. Shamim also held the post, but his appointment followed that of the first Lokayukta and hence he is not the correct answer to this question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often focus on the most recently publicised office holder and wrongly assume that person to be the first or the only one. Another pitfall is not distinguishing between different anti corruption bodies such as Lokayukta, Lokpal and state vigilance commissions. To avoid confusion, it is helpful to memorise the first office holder in each important body and to revise a brief chronological list when preparing for exams in Indian polity and governance.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Justice Rajendra Nath Aggarwal