Maharashtra Lokayukta

Last updated
Maharashtra Lokayukta
Seal of Maharashtra.svg
Agency overview
Formed1971 [1]
Employees85 [2]
Annual budget3.5 crore (US$440,000) [2]
Jurisdictional structure
Federal agency India
Operations jurisdiction India
Constituting instrument
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersNew Administrative Building, 1st Floor, Madam Kama Marg, Opposite Mantralaya, Mumbai, India [3]
Agency executive
Website
https://lokayukta.maharashtra.gov.in

The Maharashtra Lokayukta is an apex statutory functionary in the State of Maharashtra, independent of the governing political and public administration, created to address the grievances of the people against the Govt. of Maharashtra and its administration. Lokayukta, the Indian equivalent of the Parliamentary Ombudsman was first established in the State of Maharashtra in 1971. It was established through The Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971. (Although, Odisha was the first state to pass the act in 1970, it was implemented only in 1983 when it nominated its first lokayukta). [5] [1] [6] [7] [8]

Contents

The Governor appoints the Lokayukta after due consultations with Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Upa-Lokayukta is appointed after consultation with the Lokayukta. Once appointed, Lokayuka or Upa-Lokayukta can remain in office for a term of five years. [1]

Oath or affirmation

I, <name>, having been appointed Lokayuka (or Upa-Lokayukta) do swear in the name of God (or solemnly affirm) that I will bear faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established and I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my ability, knowledge and judgment perform the duties of my office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

First Schedule, The Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971

Appointment and tenure

Following is the list of Lokayuktas for Maharashtra: [9]

IndexNameHolding charge fromHolding charge to
1S. P. Kotwal25.10.1972 24.10.1977
2L. M. Nadkarni25.10.197701.01.1978
3A. R. Shimpi02.01.197825.01.1979
4S. V. Bhave26.01.197905.09.1979
5N. D. Kamath06.09.1979to be updated

V. M. Kanade appointed as Lokayukta in 2021

Removal

Lokayuka or Upa-Lokayukta can be removed from his office through the process of impeachment. The removal can only be on the grounds of misbehavior or incapacity and no other grounds. The procedure for removal is as per Article 311 of Constitution of India. [1]

Notable cases

Powers

Any citizen can make his/her complaints of corruption directly to the Lokayukta against any government official or elected representative. Lokayukta's power varies from State to State. In some States, the Lokayukta inquires into allegations against public functionaries including Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs. While some has the power to investigate into civil servants/bureaucrats, judiciary and police.

In year 2019, Maharashtra Government brought the Chief Minister's office under the purview of this institution. [13]

The state also introduced online complaint facility service for the public. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Lokayukta is the Indian Parliamentary Ombudsman, executed into power, through and for, each of the State Governments of India. It is brought into effect in a state, after passing the Lokayukta Act in respective state Legislature and a person of reputable background is nominated to the post. The post is created to quickly address grievances against the working integrity and efficiency of the government or its administration. Once appointed, Lokayukta cannot be dismissed or transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly, making it a powerful deterrent against corruption and mal-administration of the governing system.

The Assam Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Assam (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Assam Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, and approved by the president of India on 2011. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act, 2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014, and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

- Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta is formed as the parliamentary ombudsman by the Government of Andhra Pradesh under the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 83. Its institution acts as the high-level statutory functionary for the state of Andhra Pradesh and created independent of the governing political and public administration to address the public grievances against the state government and its administration. It came into force with effect from 1st November'83. It functions as a public instrument against corruption and other malpractices by public servants and government authorities of the state.

Telangana Lokayukta is the parliamentary ombudsman formed by the erstwhile of Andhra Pradesh under the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 83 and adapted by Telangana after getting bifurcated from Andhra Pradesh. The institution was designed to as a high level statutory functionary for the state of Telangana for addressing the public complaints against the state government officials and its administration and is independent of the governing political and public administration. The Act became Law from 1st November'83. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act, 2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16,2014 and had mandated every state in India to appoint its Lokayukta within a year of its passing. The mission of the Institution of Lokayukta is to eradicate the evil of corruption, favouritism, abuse of position and Power among the public functionaries and improve efficiency and to create cleaner image of the top public functionaries and promote fairness and honesty.

Delhi Lokayukta is a high level statutory functionary formed by the Government of Delhi under the Delhi Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1995. The position acts as the parliamentary ombudsman for the Union Territory of Delhi. The act is aimed to increase efficiency in the standard of services in Public offices through immediate investigation of grievances against ministers, legislators and other public servants and officials serving in Government offices, by any member of public through their timely investigation. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from 16 January 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members.

Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta acts as the parliamentary ombudsman for the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is formed as a high level statutory functionary formed by state of Himachal Pradesh under the Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 2014. The position is helpful in enhancing the standard of services in Public Administration through fast track investigations of complaints and grievances by any member of public against state ministers, legislators and other public servants. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014, and made mandatory for each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members.

The Bihar Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Bihar (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Bihar Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, and approved by the president of India on 2011. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act, 2013 in Parliament had become law on January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

West Bengal Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of West Bengal (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the West Bengal Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act and approved by the president of India on 2013. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014, and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position falls vacant before time.

Gujarat Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Gujarat (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Gujarat Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, and approved by the president of India on 1986. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta</span> Anti-corruption Ombudsman for the state of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Madhya Pradesh (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act-1981, and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16,2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Haryana Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Haryana (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Haryana Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act-2002, and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Odisha Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Odisha (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Odisha Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act, and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Tamil Nadu Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Tamil Nadu (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act-2018 and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16,2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Arunachal Pradesh (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act-2014 and approved by the president of India. The passage of The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Chhattisgarh Lokayog is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Chhattisgarh (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Chhattisgarh Lok Ayog Act, 2002 and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act, 2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Jharkhand Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Jharkhand (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Jharkhand Lokayukta Act-2001, and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Punjab Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the Indian state of Punjab. It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Punjab Lokpal Act-1996, and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16,2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Mizoram Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Mizoram (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Mizoram Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act-2014 and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014, and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Nagaland Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Nagaland (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Nagaland Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act-2014 and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

Rajasthan Lokayukta is the Parliamentary Ombudsman for the state of Rajasthan (India). It is a high level statutory functionary, created to address grievances of the public against ministers, legislators, administration and public servants in issues related to misuse of power, mal-administration and corruption. It was first formed under the Rajasthan Lokayukta and Deputy Lokayukta Act, and approved by the president of India. The passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta's Act,2013 in Parliament had become law from January 16, 2014 and requires each state to appoint its Lokayukta within a year. A bench of Lokayukta should consist of judicial and non-judicial members. An Upa-Lokayukta is a deputy to Lokayukta and assists him in his work and acts in-charge Lokayukta in case the position fells vacant before time.

References

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  12. Deshpande, Alok (26 December 2019). "Lokayukta gets 23,718 complaints in five years, recommends action in 364". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
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  14. "Only four states have appointed judicial, non-judicial members of Lokayukta, says report". The Economic Times. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2021.