Shodhganga - History of Lokpal Bill
Shodhganga - History of Lokpal Bill
Shodhganga - History of Lokpal Bill
2012, India is ranked at ninety four in the list of one hundred seventy six countries
ranging from least corrupt to most corrupt countries.' India has so many anti-
corruption institution and laws but still, it does not stand out as a clean country. On
the contrary, it has been standing amongst the most corrupt countries of the world.' It
is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupt absolutely. These forewarning
words have really been proved true in the case of public administration in India. In
any democratic set-up, such as ours, the citizens in theory are the masters and the
Government officials their servants. But in actual practice, the concept often appears
to operate in the opposite order.' The issue of corruption is as old as the society itself.
It has been present in every society at all times. The only difference has been is that of
a degree.° There are numerous references of the official corruption in ancient India.
But the most elaborate reference source seems to be Kautilya's Arthashastra. Its
revenue" reads like a modem official report on the different modes of corruption.
department of the Government etc.` In ancient India, the rulers knew that officers
and Ashoka's edicts and inscriptions had emphasized that the ruler should have a
In medieval India, corruption was rife during the Sultanate and Mughal
Government employees even for routine tasks legitimized corruption. In the post-
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Akbar period the civil service became highly corrupt.' With the fall of the Mughal
Empire and the ushering in a new era of British rule in India. corruption had taken the
alarming proportions. The East India Company a body of British traders had exploited
Corruption as present in the British rule hut, it was not apparent to the
common people primarily because it did not affect the efficiency of administration. It
was found that if the corrupt officers were exposed, then they were strictly punished
and condemned.° No doubt that the British monarchy through its representative, the
Governor General, had tried to build up good administrative machinery in India. But
some of the departments, such as Police. Revenue and Excise were vested with vast
discretionary powers and were susceptible to corruption. The lower ladder of judiciary
were also said to be corrupt to the core. The Second World War produced conditions
which make money making easy. The possession of a license became a thing of' high
value and dishonest and unscrupulous persons did not hesitate to offer bribes in order
to secure the license to trade in the commodities affected war conditions, thus
With the dawn of independence, India embarked upon era of welfare State. As
such the activities of the Government got increased. The officials were assigned new
and unfamiliar tasks. This resulted in the emergence of new regulations, controls,
licenses and permits. which provided abundant opportunities for corruption. Things
became still worse when democratically elected representatives also joined the vicious
circle of corruption.1 ' On 15'h December 1947, Mahatma Gandhi, in one of his prayer
meetings, expressed his anguish over the state of corruption prevailing in Indian
society. He said "I hear from many quarters that it (corruption) is on the increase, will
everyone is for himself and none for India''.'1 From the first 1952 general election till
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to grievances and corruption. There has been a feeling of unfair treatment, non-
transparency and lack of accountability." Currently the corruption has spread over
each and every aspect of public administration in India. Ranging from Bofors case to
2G scam all these scam involved a large number of police officers, politicians,
Government employees etc. It is suitable to comment that Indian condition, have been
Riggs. According to the prismatic model, the functions of the developing society are
India had created the Special Police Establishment. Suitable modifications were three
times made in the organization, first in 1946, second in 1963, and finally the Special
Police Establishment was converted into one of the divisions of the Central Bureau of
Investigation. It was with the affirmed purpose of fighting corruption the Government
had enacted the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947 and the Commissions of Inquiry
Act 1952. Following the recommendations of the Bakshi Tek Chand Committee
(1952) which reviewed the working of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 and
Vigilance Division was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate
anti-corruption effort against the bureaucrats in all the Central Ministries.15 In June
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1962 during the debate on the demands for the Ministry of Home Affairs, many
cases of corruption in the Central and All India Services. The question of evolving
machinery for dealing with the grievances of individual citizens against the
the office of the Vigilance Commission was established in many States. The Central
Vigilance Commission was deficient on two counts. Firstly, it was constituted to look
into the allegations of corruption against public servants only other persons were
debarred from its jurisdiction. Secondly, it was constituted to look into the alleged
cases of corruption only. Thus the matter concerning public corruption at the political
The existing legal and institutional framework to check corruption and redress
Public Servant Enquiries Act 1850, Indian Penal Code 1860, Special Police
Corruption Act 1947, Commission of Inquiry Act 1952 (against political leaders and
eminent public men). All India Services Conduct Rules 1954, Central Civil Services
Conduct Rules 1955, Railway Services Conduct Rules 1956, Vigilance Organizations
Commission, Commission for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes, Supreme Court
Directorate of Public Grievances in the Cabinet Secretariat 1988, Parliament and its
Committees. File to Field Program in some States like Kerala, Right To Information
Act of 200.18
Since the 1950, there have been large numbers of committees and
commissions that have gone into aspects of corruption. They include the Kaldor
Report (1956), the Santhanam Committee (1964), the Wanchoo Committee (1971),
the Dagli Committee (1979), and the Kelkar Committee (2002) and many more. Then
there are the reports of Estimates Committees, the Comptroller and Auditor General
and the Public Account Committee. The reports contain thousands of suggestions and
hundreds of them have been implemented, yet the size of the corruption has grown.
Today. illegality is widespread in society and tackling illegality is the most urgent
task. `'
and welfare of its people, as a result the points of contact between the administration
and the citizens have multiplied substantially. The size of the administrative
machinery has increased. The numerous economic controls, which have been adopted
for ensuring the development proceeds in accordance with the objectives and
priorities of the five year plans, have tended to control economic activity and citizens
of administrative decisions are made each year and if some of these decisions are
arbitrary or unjustified there is no easy way for the ordinary citizen to get it redressed.
In India. the idea of an independent authority like Ombudsman which could look into
citizen's grievances originated as a part of the search for solution to the growing
corrupt practices in the fifties.'' During the fifties and more particularly the late fifties
the top ranking politicians and civil servants. Under heavy demands from the public
report on public administration, has talked about need of certain machinery for the
representatives of India for several years. Strong views were spoken in parliamentary
discussions on the Criminal Law Bill 1952, on the Commission of Enquiry Bill 1952,
(Second Amendment Bill, 1962), and on similar other occasions.23 Since July 1959 in
India the setting up of an Ombudsman type of authority has become a public issue,
when C.D Deshmukh. then chairman of the University Grants Commission and a
former Union Finance Minister, raised the issue in the public lecture in Madras. He
He said that if such an institution were set up, "I shall be happy to make a beginning
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by lodging half a dozen reports myself.'` At a press conference Nehru said that he
had requested S.R. Das former Chief Justice of India, to hold a preliminary enquiry
into the complaints of Deshmukh. Soon after this N. Sanjeeva Reddy, then Congress
president also announced on 28'h June 1960 the creation of a panel of five eminent
jurists to enquire into charges against congressmen those who were in responsible
well-matched to Indian requirements. According to the report. due to the big size of
the country there is a need of an Ombudsman not only at the Centre, but Ombudsmen
are also required at the State level.27 The institution of Ombudsman was also
recommended in 1962 in the Third All India Law Conference, New Delhi, the need of
an Ombudsman was also discussed at the third All India Law Ministers Conference
and also at Madras Bar Association, Madras in October 1963. The support for the
Ombudsman also came from many unexpected quarters such as from the chairman of
the All India Manufacturer Association in November 1963.25 On I5th JuI}' 1963, the
then Chief Justice of India P.B. Gajendragadkar while making a convocation address
at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, in New Delhi, lend his strong support
to the cause of an Ombudsman for India.29 On 3"t November 1963 at Jaipur, in All
India Congress Committee on the working of the Kamraj plan, the late Prime Minister
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had welcomed the idea of the Ombudsman who should have
the full authority to deal with the charges against the Prime Minister and command
respect and confidence from al1.30 Jawaharlal Nehru said that the institution, which
could deal with charges of corruption against the Prime Minister, fascinated him but
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the introduction of such an institution in a big country like India was behest with
problems "t Inaugural speech of M.0 Setalwad,32 a well-known jurist and a former
Attorney General of India, in the Third All India Law Conference held in 1962 also
Setalvad, pleaded for a study of the Ombudsman concept." For the first time in
Parliament, on 3'd April 1963 L.M. Singhvi while participating in a debate in Lok
Sabha on the demands for the grants of the Ministry of Law raised the question of
having an Ombudsman for India. It was recommended by him that such an institution
could probably be the actual solution for the various problems which arise in respect
Lal Nanda, the then Home Minister, after initially giving his support to the idea of
Ombudsman also expressed doubts that the institution of Ombudsman might not
demanded that organizations from taluka level up to national level should be formed
organization named Sadachar Samiti was formed on 13thApril, 1964, with Nanda
himself as the president with the purpose of creating a social and moral climate to
fight and eradicate corruption. It was under his patronage that another unofficial
corruption in Indian public life. The overall impression one gets is that the party in
power and mainly the Home Minister seemed to be more interested in such
the establishment of' an office similar to the office of the Ombudsman in the
Scandinavian countries to deal with the problem of corruption and grievances of the
people. On 22O1t April. 1964 through a Private Members Resolution moved by L.M.
Singhvi in the Lok Sabha, the Government was urged to consider the appointment of
machinery which deals with the public grievances arising out of administrative
wrongs and eliminate corruption at all level. The Resolution was later on withdrawn
on a promise by the Minister of State for Horne Affairs that the Government would
get matter investigated with a vision of creating the appropriate machinery to achieve
suitable machinery even after the lapse of one year L.M. Singhvi again moved the
examine the form and feasibility of bringing into appropriate machinery for the
Ombudsman. Although all sections of the House supported the Resolution, but it was
not acceptable to the Ministers mainly on account of two reasons. Firstly, that a
consultative group of the Members of Parliament had already been appointed to give
Corruption had already made its recommendations in this respect and the question
before the Government, therefore was one of its implementation and not the
three sub committees including one on Administrative Tribunal and Machinery for the
Redress of Grievances at the Centre. It however, could not complete its work on the
matter of citizen's grievances. Meanwhile there was a rising demand and strong
Commission, this led the Government of India to set up a high level Administrative
Reform Commission under the chairmanship of Shri Morarji Desai on 5`" January,
including the adequacy of the existing arrangement for the redress of grievances and
the need for introduction of any fresh machinery for redress of grievances and suggest
found the existing safety measure for the citizens and the arrangements for redress of
their grievances inadequate and it came to the conclusion that India too is in need of
of the people) was appointed to deal with the complaints against the Ministers and the
Secretaries of Government posted at the Centre and in the States. And there was to be
appointed a Lokayukta one in each State and one for the Centre to look into the
complaints against public officials other than Ministers and Secretaries to the
Government. The Lokpal will be appointed by the President of India on the advice of
the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and the leader of the opposition in the Lok
Sabha, if there is no such leader, a person will be elected for this purpose by the
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opposition in the Lok Sabha in such a manner as the Speaker may direct. The Lokpal
is not allowed to hold any office of profit, nor can he continue as a Member of
period of five years and he can be reappointed. The Lokpal shall not be removed from
his office except by an order of the President, passed after an address, by each House
and by a majority of not less than two thirds of the Members of that House present,
and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal
on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity to hold office. The Lokpal will
have the same status, salary, allowances and conditions of services as that of the Chief
Justice of India. If the Lokpal is satisfied on the action taken on his recommendations,
he will close the case but where he is not satisfied and he considers that the case
deserves something else then he may make a special report upon the case to the Lok
Sabha or to the Legislative Assembly of the State concerned as the case may be. He
will also place before Parliament or the Legislature of the State concerned an Annual
Report on his functions and recommendations. The Lokpal may investigate any action
taken with the approval of a Minister or Secretary in case a written complaint is made
to him, or when information comes to his knowledge, that a particular action has
explain their conduct. The Lokpal may require any Minister or officer or any other
the draft Bill on the subject with its report to the Government. The idea behind
proposing this draft Bill was to enable the Government to take prompt and quick
-'I
October, 1966, a
action to establish the institution of Lokpal and Lokayukta.4 ' On 2O October,
draft Bill was submitted by the chairman of the Administrative Reform Commission
for the consideration of the Government. The draft Bill was modeled on the pattern of
the creation of the institution of the Lokpal and Lokayukta.43 On I0`h November,
1966, through a private member's Resolution an attempt was made in the Lok Sabha
to direct the Government for the speedy implementation of the Administrative Reform
legislation for the purpose. The Resolution was, later on, ithdrawn on the assurance
of the Minister for Home Affairs that the Government is seriously thinking on this
matter and was not deliberately delaying it. The Home Minister felt the need of
providing an opportunity to the State Governments and State Legislature to study the
character of the institution and give their on opinion on it. After waiting a lot and
the Administrative Reform Commission about the appointment of the Lokpal and the
Lokvuktas, a private members Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by P.K. Deo. The
Bill introduced by P.K. Deo was a verbatim copy of the draft Bill proposed previously
commitments, it was referred to the President for his recommendation and since it was
not forth coming, the member, P.K. Deo moved on 1" December, 1967 that the Bill be
circulated for the purpose of eliciting public opinion there on it. Speaking on the
motion, the Minister of State for Home Affairs declared that only ten States
Governments had sent their replies and some of them had not agreed with the scheme
of Lokayukta and Lokpal. Finally, the House voted the Bill for eliciting public
48
opinion. Various types of opinions were expressed on the Bill. The Government of
India did not want to postpone the introduction of this institution and without waiting
for a consensus from different States, the Government went ahead to bring forward
legislation for establishing the institution at the Centre. On 9`t' May, 1968 the
Government of India introduced the Lokpal and Lokyuktas Bill in the Lok Sabha. The
Bill provided for the establishment of a Lokpal and one or more Lokyuktas at the
Centre.4a
In May 1968 the first Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill introduced in Lok Sabha.
The Bill was carefully studied by a joint committee of the two Houses of Parliament,
and the Bill, as reported by the joint committee was passed by the Lok Sabha in 1969.
While this Bill was pending in the Rajya Sabha, the Fourth Lok Sabha was dissolved
and the Bill was lapsed. In 1971, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill which was passed by
the previous Lok Sabha was re-introduced in the Lok Sabha as the Lokpal and
Lokayukta Bill. 1971. "This Bill lapsed on the dissolution of the fifth Lok Sabha. In
1977, another Lokpal Bill was introduced in the sixth Lok Sabha and after that it was
referred to ajoint committee of Parliament which submitted its report to Lok Sabha in
July 1978. When the Lokpal Bill, as reported by the joint committee, was under
consideration in the Lok Sabha, the Lok Sabha was prorogued and was subsequently
dissolved'" on 22nd August, 1979 as a result of dissolution of the sixth Lok Sabha the
Lokpal Bill lapsed. So the fate of the Lokpal Bill. 1977 was no better than that of the
previous Lokpal Bills. This was the third time in the history of Ombudsman
legislation in India that at the Centre the Bill was lapsed owing to the dissolution of
Lok Sabha. The lack of a persistent political will in the Government, absence of unity
and discipline within the parliamentary wing of the ruling Janta party and the
inclusion of Members of Parliament within the jurisdiction of the Lokpal are some of
the reasons due to which many of the members developed a cold feet towards the Bill,
all these may be regarded as some of the major reasons which most probably
In 1984 when Rajeev Gandhi became the Prime Minister there was again
renewed interest in the Ombudsman institution at the federal level. It appeared that the
1985 the Lokpal Bill 1985 was introduced in the Lok Sabha for the appointment of a
Lokpal. which will enquire into allegations of corruption against Union Ministers and
on matters connected with them. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union
Law Minister A.K. Sen. The Bill had been the matter of a controversy ever since the
Government circulated a draft among leaders of opposition parties, due to the sharp
disagreement between the Government and the opposition on major provisions of the
Bill, the Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar announced the decision to refer this Bill
for a consideration to a joint select committee of the two Houses, he said that he had
come to the conclusion that a more comprehensive study of the Bill is needed. This
was the fourth time that Parliament had attempted to introduce Lokpal legislation and
ended up referring the Bill to a joint select committee. The Bill failed to satisfy the
opposition because it excluded the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister and Members
of Parliament from its jurisdiction. The opposition parties were also differed on the
node of appointment of the Lokpal and on its composition that whether it should be a
single member or multi-member body. Besides, this they found no merit in setting up
such a body only to look into complaints against Union Ministers. The Government
did not agree to include the Prime Minister on the plea that his office was a unique
and if any allegation against him was made it would destabilize the country. During
50
its forty months of existence at the committee level because of the lack of agreement
the matter could not advance further and finally in the first week of December 1988
the Bill was withdrawn by the Government. On 29`" December 1989, the Lokpal
Bill. 1989 was introduced in the Ninth Lok Sabha, but again the institution of the
Ombudsman could not be ushered at the Centre as the National Front Government
had to move out of office soon. With the dissolution of the ninth Lok Sabha this Bill
was also lapsed. With the aim of cleansing public life and introducing an clement of
accountability at the highest level, the United Front Government introduced the
Lokpal Bill in the Eleventh Lok Sabha.'' On 13`" September 1996, the Lokpal Bill,
1996 was introduced, than the Bill was referred to the parliamentary standing
committee on Home Affair by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. On 9`" May 1997, the
standing committee presented its report to the Parliament, but before the Government
could finally decide its stand on the recommendation of the committee, the eleventh
Lok Sabha was dissolved48 on 4`" December 1997, and as a result the Bill was lapsed.
On 3"d August 1998. the Bhartiya Janta Party led coalition Government introduced the
Lokpal Bill. 1998.4 Thereafter for detailed examination and report the Bill was
On 25`h February 1999, the standing committee presented its report to the Parliament
-n this Bill. However, before the Government could take a view on the various
abha was dissolved and as a result the Bill was lapsed.50Again new Lokpal Bill was
itroduced in the Lok Sabha in August. 2001 after it got approval from the Cabinet.
, ut the Bill was lapsed due to dissolution of Lok Sabha. In 2005 the Second
Ldministrative Reform Commission" had recommended that the office of the Lokpal
'ust be established without any delay. After the agitation of Anna Ilazare for the
51
committee in April 2011 to draft the Lokpal Bill. The committee comprises of
Government representatives and nominees of Hazare to draft the Lokpal Bill by 30'h
June. 201 1.52 However the two groups could not agree on many major points and
prepared two drafts of the Bill. On 4thAugust 2011, the Government introduced its
committee. In December Lokpal and LokaNukta Bill, 2011 is introduced in Lok Sabha
and on 27'h December 2011 it was passed in the Lok Sabha. On 29`" December 2011,
the Bill was discussed in Rajya Sabha and it had been deferred to the next
Parliamentary session.
Since 1968 till today nine attempts have been made to establish the Lokpal at
the Centre but unfortunately we are still struggling to establish it. So far the institution
of Lokpal at the national level is the %ictim of dissolution, defeat, delay and deferment
which adversely affected its establishment.54 Each time. after the Bill was introduced
departmental standing committee of the Home Ministry for improvements and before
the Government could take a final stand on the issue of Lokpal, the House was
dissolved. This shows that probably the Bill was never taken seriously by the ruling
According to the provision of the Lokpal Bill the Lokpal was to be appointed
by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and leader of
opposition in the House of the people or if there is no such leader a person elected in
this behalf by the member of the opposition in that I louse in such manner as the
52
Speaker may direct. And the Lokayukta is appointed by the President of India after
the consultation of the Lokpal.5`' Lokpal and Lokyakuta shall hold office for a term of
five years.57Lokpal and Lokyakuta can deal with both types of complaints related to
allegation and grievance against those which comes under their jurisdiction. The Bill
level the Lokpal investigate action taken by or with the general or specific approval of
servants, notified by the Central Government in consultation with the Lokpal in this
behalf.At the second level the Lokyakuta was to investigate any action taken by or
with the general or specific approval of any public servant. The public servant in this
case could be anyone other than the Minister. Secretary or other public servant whose
action could be investigated into by the Lokpal.`'" The Lokpal or the Lokyakuta could
start inquiry on their own.6' The Lokpal or a Lokyakuta shall not investigate a
complaint involving a grievance, if the complaint is made after the expiry of twelve
months and shall not investigate complaint related to allegation, if the complaint is
made after the expiry of five years, from the date on which the action complained
Reform Commission in so far as they relate to matters within the purview of the
Union Government. In its scope, it is different from the draft Bill proposed by the
Administrative Reform Commission on two things. First its jurisdiction does not
extend to public servants in the States. Secondly, jurisdiction of the Lokpal does not
confine to Ministers and Secretaries alone. The I.okpal and Lokayukta Bill seeks to
Union Public Servants, including Ministers.G3 The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bil'
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confined itself only to the Central administration along with the Union Territories,
and left the States completely out of its purview. The Administrative Reform
Commission had recommended one comprehensive scheme covering both the Central
and State administration.`" But Government Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill made an
integrated scheme which provides functioning of both Lokpal and the Lokayukta at
the Centre and left the States.65 The change was made possibly because of the
changed political condition of the country. After the fourth general election (1967),
non-Congress Government came to the power in many States and some of them had
opposed the idea of central functionary supervising into administrative affairs of the
State."
The Administrative Reform Commission in its final report in 1970 again, put
emphasis on the importance and the need for setting up the offices of the Lokpal and
the Lokayukta. The Government accepted the suggestions and the Lokpal and
Lokavukta Bill 1968. as passed by the previous Lok Sabha was reintroduced in the
fifth Lok Sabha in August 1971, with a similar title i.e. Lokpal and Lokyakuta Bill,
1971. 'l'his Bill differs from the draft Bill proposed by the Administrative Reform
Commission in two major respects. It does not extend to the public servants in the
States. Secondly, jurisdiction of the Lokpal does not confine to Ministers and
Secretaries alone. In other words, the Bill seeks to provide a statutory machinery to
inquire into complaints based on actions of all Union Public Servants including
Ministers.67
The Lokpal Bill, 1977 is different from the previous Lokpal Bills. It was
proposed to alter the scheme of the Lokpal as incorporated in the 1971 Lokpal Bill. It
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tried to make the institution of Lokpal an effective instrument to combat the problem
posed by corruption at higher political levels.6" Earlier Bill deals with both type of
shifted on the corruption. Under this Bill, the I.okpal is appointed by the President
after the consultation of the Chief Justice of India, the chairman of the Council of
States and the Speaker of the I louse of the People.G9 In this Bill a change was
introduced in the selection process of Lokpal. In this Lokpal Bill of 1977 the
provision relating to consultation with the leader of the opposition was dropped and
instead consultation with the chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok
Sabha was added.70 In earlier Bill there was a provision related to the appointment of
Lokpal and Lokayukta. But this Bill has only Lokpal. Lokpal is appointed for a term
of five years.'' The jurisdiction of Lokpal will cover complaints related to the
allegation or misconduct pertaining to a period not exceeding five years prior to the
date of complaints. Prime Minister, Minister, Member of the Parliament and Chief
Ministers of' States were brought within the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. Allegation
against civil servants will not come within the jurisdiction of the Lokpal and
jurisdiction.'` In the draft Bill of 1966 and the Government Bill of 1968 and 1971, the
public servant and Secretaries to the Government were included within the
jurisdiction of Iokpal. It was only in 1977 Lokpal Bill that they were dropped from
the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. The reason which was given for this exclusion was that
there were already a number of agencies to look into misdeeds of officials and
bringing officials with in the Lokpals jurisdiction, would increase the work load on
Lokpal. This step was much criticized both inside and outside the Parliament.73
Whereas the Bill excluded civil servants from its jurisdiction but it included the
7~ g0o6. 55
Member of Parliament within its jurisdiction.74 Lokpal Bill of 1977 also provided for
report from the Lokpal that it is necessary so to do for the expeditious disposal of
complaints under this Act, he may, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India,
the chairman of the Council of States and the Speaker of the House of the People,
appoint, by warrant under his hand and seal, one or more persons to be a Special
such classes of complaints under this Act as may be specified in the warrant. A
Special Lokpal could be appointed liar it term of five years or even for a shorter period
as may be specified in the warrant of his appointment.' The Lokpal Bill of 1977 was
designed to look into political corruption only. In this sense the Bill may be termed as
The President shall, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India appoint
a person who is or has been qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court as the
Lokpal." In previous Lokpal Bills, no qualification was prescribed for the Lokpal.
Lokpal shall hold office tier it term of five years.`' Unlike the 1977 Bill, the new Bill
excluded from its jurisdiction the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament. It was
State, Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries of the Union.79 The jurisdiction
of the Lokpal was limited to complaints against an offence which is punishable under
chapter IX of the Indian Penal Code or under the Prevention of Corruption Act,
1947."" The Lokpal should not inquire into any complaint if the complaint is made
after the expiry of five years from the date on which the offence mentioned in
body, have one chairman and two members. The President shall after consultation
with the Chief Justice of India, appoint persons who are or have been Judges of the
Supreme Court as the chairman and members of the Lokpal.82 Every member shall
hold office for a term of five years.83 Like the two previous Lokpal Bills of 1977 and
1985, this Bill too did not cover public servants nor did it have any provisions to
redress the citizen's grievances. It only deals with the problem of corruption at higher
political levels. It was proposed that the Lokpal shall inquire into an allegations made
include a person who held or had held the office of Prime Minister, Deputy Prime
Minister, Minister, Minister of State or Deputy Minister of the Union.R4 The Lokpal
shall not inquire into any complaint if the complaint is made after the expiry of five
years.85 The Bill did not differ significantly from the Lokpal Bill of 1985 in other
respects.
The Lokpal office should have one chairperson and two members. It's
of the committee, and its members were Speaker of Lok Sabha, Deputy chairman of
Rajya Sabha, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, leader of opposition in Rajya
Sabha, Minister in charge of the Ministry of I lomc Affairs and Minister in charge of
the Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances and Pensions.87 The Lokpal may
inquire into complaint alleging that public functionary has committed an offence
Parliament comes under its jurisdiction."R The Lokpal shall not inquire if the
complaint is more than five year old.89 Chairperson and member of the institution of
consists of the Vice-President of India, who acts as a chairman of the committee and
the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of people, the Minister in charge of the
Nlinistr\ of Home Affairs in the Government of India, the leader of the House other
than the House in which the Prime Minister is a Member of Parliament, the leader of
opposition in the House of the people are its members. The Lokpal make inquiry into
punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Here the word, public
and Members of Parliament.9 ' The Lokpal could look into matters which were only
ten year old.92 While in all previous Bills the time limit was five years. In this Lokpal
is appointed for a period of three years or until he or she becomes seventy years old,93
in previous Lokpal Bills. Lokpal was appointed for a period of five years.
Minister, the Speaker of the House of people, the Minister in charge of the Ministry of
Home Affairs in the Government of India, the leader of the 1-louse other than the
58
opposition in the House of the people, the leader of the opposition in the Council of
and other member of the institution of Lokpal shall hold office for a term of three
selection committee is similar to the Bill of 1998, only the leader of the opposition in
the Council of States was added as a member of selection committee.`'-' The Lokpal
make an inquiry into complaints alleging that a public functionary has committed an
offence which is punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. It had
jurisdiction over Prime Minister, Minister, Minister of State or Deputy Minister of the
The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011 provided for the establishment of a
Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States to inquire into allegations of
chairperson and such number of members, which should not exceed eight out of
whom fifty percent, shall be judicial members. It is given that not less than fifty
percent of the members of the Lokpal body shall be from the persons belonging to the
scheduled castes, the scheduled tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women.
Chairperson should be a person who is or has been a Chief Justice of India or is or has
impeccable integrity and outstanding ability and have a special knowledge and
expertise of not less than twenty five years in the matters relating to anti-corruption
policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and Banking law
is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court.97 The
of a selection committee which consists of the Prime Minister as a chairman and the
Speaker of the House of the People. the leader of opposition in the House of the
People, the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him
are its members.98 The chairperson and every member of Lokpal body shall be
appointed for the term of five years or until he attains the age of seventy years,
Bill excludes public servants who are covered under the Army Act, 1950, the Air
Force Act. 1950, the Navy Act, 1957 and the Coast Guard, 1978. Lokpal shall not
international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and
space unless a full bench of the Lokpal consisting of its chairman and all members
considers the initiation of inquiry and at least two third of its members approve such
inquiry.100
Lokavukta
The Bill, once passed, shall be applicable to States if they give consent to its
Speaker, and leader of opposition in the State Legislature, Chief Justice or the Judge
of High Court and an eminent jurist nominated by the Governor.101 The Lokayukta
shall not inquire or investigate into any complaint, if the complaint is more than seven
Parliament, seven Bills were lapsed, one is withdrawn and one is still pending in the
Rajya Sabha. The provision related to the Lokpal went on changing from one Bill to
another Bill. According to the Bills of 1968, 1971 Lokpal and Lokayukta can deals
with the complaints related to allegation and grievances against public servants,
Ministers and Secretaries. Later Bills dropped redress of public grievances and mainly
concerned with corruption and one more shift is that it includes, Member of
Lokpal.104 But public servants were excluded from the jurisdiction of many Lokpal
Bills. So there is total confusion in the mind of every Government about the
jurisdiction of the Lokpal and Lokayukta. [he absence of the Lokpal at the federal
level to deal with the matters of allegations and grievances concerning politicians and
public servants is genuinely felt in the country. The Lokpat should be given power to
deal with both types of complaints related to grievances and allegation against civil
servants and politicians. All the vigilance and grievance redress agencies working at
the federal level should be put under the unified command of the Lokpal to ensure
independence, objectivity and better coordination. The Lokpal and the Lokayuktas
In India various Lokpal Bills were lapsed at the Central level, but many States
and Lokpal proposals, enacted legislation for establishing the office of the Lokayukta
and Upalokayukta in their States."' So far institution of the Lokayuktas have been
Lokayukta in Goa and Uttarakhand is under process. Following is the brief account
Orissa
Orissa was the first State to enact Lokpal and Lokayukta Act in 1970, but it
remained inoperative till November 1983. In 1983 Justice B.K Patra was sworn as the
first Lokpal of Orissa. he was a retired Judge of the Orissa High Court. " In 1983 the
Lokpal and Lokayukta Act was amended with a view to include the Chief Minister in
Lokpal jurisdiction.'07 In Orissa, as per the Act, Lokpal is the head of the institute to
curb corruption, maladministration and nepotism, and Lokayukta is the second one
after the Lokpal. Thus there are two persons in the office of the Lokpal. But
unfortunately Orissa abolished the institution in 1993. However, the State has revived
Maharashtra
came into force in December 1971. Maharashtra is the second State that passed the
Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Act, but first State which had established the institution
of Lokpal and Lokayukta. On 25`h October, 1972 Justice S.P Kotval was appointed as
the first Lokayukta of Maharashtra and on 1" October, 1973 Uplokayukta was
appointed.108 At that time both public and Minister were in favor for the establishment
of the Lokayukta.109 The Lokpal Bill, 1968, also gave a boost to the idea of Lokaykta
Rajasthan
Ombudsman was taken in 1963. In that year the Rajasthan Administrative Reform
Committee was set up under the chairmanship of H.0 Mathur recommended the
first Government report in India which had recommended the setting up of the
institution of Ombudsman. But after that nothing was done at the State level for some
Grievances had existed to resolve the grievances of the public, but this machinery did
not cover Ministers and executives drawn from public life to head the public
Secretaries, and certain other public servants related to abuse of position, corruption,
etc. This type of machinery is required to create a sense of confidence and satisfaction
in the public mind and to provide a clean, honest and competent administration.112 In
1969 the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 1968 was passed by the Lok Sabha. After that in
March 1969, the ('hid f Minister of Rajasthan M.I_ Sukhadian stated in the Vidhan
Sabha that the Government would favorably consider the question of appointing the
Lokayukta at the State level.'1 '' The establishment of the Lokayukta of'tice in
Maharashtra might also have provided motivation. But the circumstance which had
promoted the Chief Minister to declare intention of the State Governments to establish
the office of the Lokayukta to investigate into corruption charges was outcome of a
meeting of the Congressmen in which some of the Ministers of the Barkatullah Khan
63
Ministry were openly charged of being corrupt. The Chief Minister was upset by the
charges of corruption which were made by the party workers in the presence of some
of the Central Ministers and due to this incidence he immediately declare the
establishment of the Lokayukta office in the State to make inquiry into the charges of
corruption. In the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha demand was also raised by the leader of
the opposition for the establishment of the Lokayukta institution at the State level.114
the minor modifications the same Ordinance was passed by the State Legislative
Assembly and became the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Act, 1973. On 5`h June, 1973,
K.P.0 Menon was appointed as an Uplokayukta, on 28`h August, 1973 Justice I.D
Menon had been serving the State Government as the Vigilance Commissioner. He
was appointed for a term of six years. According to the scheme of Lokayukta, the
and Upalokayukta institution. So according to the terms of contract Menon still had
two more years of service left it was thought that he should be appointed as an
Uplokayukta.1 1 ' It is clearly mentioned in the Act, that the first Uplokayukta would be
the person holding the office of Vigilance Commissioner immediately before the
Bihar
In the State of Bihar. on 23'' July, 1967, for the first time the United Front
But actually no serious effort was made to pass it. The Bill however could not be
enacted. During 1967 to 1971 the State had to pass through a number of Commissions
—the Aivar Commission, the Mudholkar Commission, the Patnaik Commission and
the Dutta Commission, regarding investigations which were related to political and
administrative corruption. But not much seems to have been gained out of these
efforts. So the need was felt, for an independent, impartial, non-political investigating
agency like that of the office of the Ombudsman. In 1972 Congress Government
influenced by the fact that, the Bill concerning the establishment of the Lokpal and the
Lokay uktas at the Central level had twice been unsuccessfully introduced in the Lok
Sabha, but the plan had been successfully implemented in the State of Maharashtra in
1972.11 The Provision for the establishment and laying down the function of the
action was taken in pursuance of this Ordinance. On 8`" April, 1973 the Ordinance
lapsed. On 6`h May, 1973 the Governor signed the ordinance and the same was
published in the Bihar Gazette on 11 `h May, 1973. "8 "I'he office of the Lokayukta was
the lines suggested by the Administrative Reform Commission.'1 `' In the exercise of
the purported power under the provisions of the second Ordinance the Governor of
Bihar appointed S.V. Sohoni. as the first Lokayukta of Bihar. On 28`h May, 1973 the
Lokayukta assumed office. After the assumption of office by Sohoni a conflict started
between the Governor and some important members of the State Cabinet. According
to the Ministers the right of the Cabinet had arbitrarily been encroached upon by the
controversy the Pandey Government went out of office. Many members of the
65
outgoing Ministry who had made an effort to nullify the appointment of Sohoni again
become Ministers in the new Cabinet of Abdul Ghafoor. Under the new dispension, it
appeared in the minds of many that the first thing that they (lid was to keep the office
of the Lokayukta starved of funds and other basic things. The main intention was to
humiliate Sohoni to such an extent that he might resign from the post of Lokayukta, 12 '
but this did not work. Ultimately, however, armed with the Advocate General opinion
upholding the right of the Cabinet to fill the post, the Ministers succeeded in having
their say in the matter. The Ordinance instead of being regularized during the Budget
Session or re-promulgated after the Assembly adjourned was allowed to lapse on 22'
August, 1973, just two days before the end of the Budget Session of the State
Assembly. Upset by the attitude of the Government, the Lokayukta pressed his point
against the Advocate General opinion before the Union Ministry of I Iomc affairs. The
stand adopted by him was that a Lokayukta appointed by the Cabinet would not be
able to look bravely and neutrally into public complaints of corruption or misuse of
power against the serving or former Ministers. The Union Home Ministry, instructed
the Ghafoor Government to issue a fresh ordinance in order to avoid a break in the
career of the Lokayukta.'22 On 5`h October 1973 a third ordinance appointing Sohoni
as the Lokayukta was signed by the Governor and published in the Bihar Gazette on
8`}' October 1973. In the meanwhile, the Bihar Lokayukta Bill, 1973 was in its process
of legislation making was passed by the two Houses of the Legislature, on 16`''
January 1974 it received the assent of the President and came to be known as the
Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Act was passed in 1975.124
But in July 1977 it came into force.125 There was a long gap between the passing of
the Act and its proper and actual implementation. The Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta Act
was based on the Central Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 1971, but it made a major
departure from that Bill mainly in two respects. One the members of the Parliament
were excluded from the jurisdiction of the Lokpal Bill 1971, but in Uttar Pradesh
Lokayukta Act legislators were included in its jurisdiction and fee of rupees thousand
is charged for filing any complaint concerning allegations to the Lokayukta. The
inclusion of the new provision could be due to the fact that the Lokayukta Act of Uttar
Pradesh had replaced the Uttar Pradesh Public Men Enquiries Act, 1967.126 According
to newspaper report, because of the difference, the Center was hesitant in clearing the
Bill and the Home Ministry was examining the pros and cons of Uttar Pradesh
decision.'27 One more reason behind the delay of the establishment of the Lokayukta
office was that, in the period of the emergency which is from June 1975 to January
1977 the leader of the opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly was in jail along with
other opposition leaders, so the statutory formality of consulting the leader of the
opposition in the appointment of the Lokayukta was not possible. While participating
in the debate of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister himself had pointed out
that the delay in the appointment of the Lokayukta was also because of the non-
availability of the leader of the opposition for consultation, as he was in jail.'28 Finally
the change of leadership in the ruling Uttar Pradesh Congress legislature party might
also have delayed the implementation of the Act. In 1977 Janta Party came into
power and made a promise to eliminate graft from the administration, as a result of its
efforts the Act came out into operation. The Lokayukta Act of Uttar Pradesh is
relatively a carbon copy of Maharashtra and Bihar Lokayukta Act. 129 On 14'
September 1977, Justice Bishamber Dayal. who was an ex-Chief Justice of Madhya
Pradesh 1-ligh Court, was appointed as a Lokayukta. The first Lokayukta made
67
excellent efforts for almost two years to make people aware about the institution of
Lokayukta. This was done through the radio programs, organizing meetings in the
district headquarters in which people from all fields were invited and by publishing
and by calling press conferences in which the Lokayukta explained the functions,
scope and objective of this institution.130 Justice Murtaza Hussain, was the second
expediting those cases also which were made on plain papers and were outside his
independent investigation cell. But in spite of all these efforts, Justice Murtaza
Husain, admitted that this organization has not been able to fulfill the expectations of
Madhya Pradesh
Assembly in April 1975 and was forwarded to the President. After that the
Legislative Assembly was dissolved and as a result of this the Lokayukta and
Upalokayukta Bill was lapsed. The Bill of Lokayukta was again introduced in
September 1980 and came into force on 16`" September 1981.132 On 15`x' February
1982, Justice P.V Dixit, was appointed as the first Lokayukta of Madhya Pradesh, he
was the retired Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. On 17`x' February 1982,
Justice R..1 Rhave. was appointed as Uplokayukta he was a retired Judge of the High
Court. With the establishment of the Lokayukta office in Madhya Pradesh, the
Vigilance Commission, ceased to exist and the cases which were pending with
Andhra Pradesh
November 1983 the Justice Avula Sambasiva Rao who was a retired Chief Justice of
Andhra Pradesh High Court was appointed as the first Lokayukta of Andhra
Pradesh.'34
Himachal Pradesh
1975, but it was lapsed. Again in April 1980 it was introduced and in March 1982 it
was discussed and finally passed in August 1983.13' The Lokayukta in Himachal
Pradesh was first established by an ordinance which was promulgated on 25`h May
1983. On 17`h August 1983 Justice I'.V.R "I'atachari was appointed as first Lokayukta
of Himachal Pradesh.'`'
Assam
On 12`h December 1986 the Assam Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1985
was passed. In 1989. the State Government had appointed Justice T.0 Das as the first
Lokayukta of Assam."? In April 2010 Justice Biswas, took over the office of
Lokavvukta. He admitted that institution of Lokayukta in Assam has not been able to
deliver to its expectations due to the absence of suornoto power. He said, We have
been trying to communicate to people that they just have to approach us. All they
have to do is to lodge a complaint. If they have no evidence and we think that the
complaint is in public interest, we'll ask for relevant documents from the Government
but not against any higher officials, like Member of Legislative Assembly or
Ministers. this office has also taken up a few cases to Assam Governor, as the state
Karnataka
On 28`h March 1983, the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta Bill was introduced in
the Legislative Assembly. It was passed in both the houses and enacted on 16`h
January 1986. Karnataka Lokayukta is more independent than other states. It has its
own investigating machinery.'39 There are two factors that seem to be working in
favor of the Lokayukta one is active police wing and the number of complaints are
filed in special court, set up to hear the cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act,
1988. Lokayukta in Karnataka have both suomoto power and a power to issue search
warrant, which help the Lokayukta in working effectively. Former Chief Minister B.S
Yeddyuappa, his Cabinet colleagues Katta Subrahmany Naidu and Krishna settee, the
Bellary mine lord Janardhana Reddy all had to bow to the power of the Lokayukta. A
number of Karnataka Government cadre officers were booked for amassing wealth
bribes. Between 2008 and 2011, thirteen Ministers were being probed by the
Lokayukta. 140
Gujarat
Legislative Assembly, but could not be passed.'4 ' In 1986 Gujarat Lokayukta Act was
passed.'42 In 1988 Justice D.H. Shukla, a retired High Court Judge was appointed as
the first Lokayukta with his appointment the institution had started functioning.'43
During the Keshubhafi Patel regime in 1998, Soni a retired High Court Judge was
appointed as the Lokayukta. In November, 2003 S.M. Soni, stepped down from the
post. After Soni no one was appointed as a Lokayukta for many years."4 In 2010 the
70
State Government informed the High Court that it has begun the exercise for filling up
the post.'45 On 25`" August 2011. Gujarat Governor Kamal Beniwal appointed Justice
R.A Mehta to the post of Lokayukta of Gujarat, which was lying vacant since 2003.146
The Governor Beniwal had made this decision without consulting and getting the
approval of the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers.147 The decision of the
Governor in the appointment of R.A Mehta was challenged in the Supreme Court by
the Gujarat Government. The Supreme Court upheld the appointment of Justice R.A
Mehta as State l.okayukta by saying that it was done in consultation with the Chief
Punjab
In 1992. during the tenure of Beant Singh, the Lokpal Bill was passed in
Punjab and Justice S.S. Sodhi was appointed as the first Lokpal of Punjab.'49 On 16
November 2012 Justice Jai Sekhon, a former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High
Court was sworn in as the Lokayukta of Punjab. Justice Sekhon's appointment has
stirred a controversy with the opposition congress party contending that he has
political affiliation with the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal. Punjab Pradesh Congress
Committee chief captain (retired) Amarinder Singh charged the State Government
with violating prevailing norms by not consulting the leader of opposition on the issue
Kerala
On 41" March 1999 Kerala Lokayukta Bill received the assent of the President
and becomes an Act.'' The Act provides that all the public servants are required to
submit the statement of assets of them and their family members, once in two years,
before the competent authority.152 According to one report most of the Member of
71
Legislative Assembly did not submit property statements. This shows that there is no
fear on part of the Member of Legislative Assembly towards the Lokayukta.1 '3
Chhattisgarh
the Governor in the fifty third year of the republic of India-'54 According to
are not effective for want of adequate resources and personnel. The office of
Lokavukta has failed to live up to its expectations and achieve its objectives. He said
that according to the guidelines of the Lokayukta Act, action should be taken against
an errant officer within three months. But this does not happen often, as action is
taken by the officials of the concerned department only, but it has been found that the
department tries to shield the corrupt official rather than punish him.'5 The 2009-10
Annual Report. handed over to the Chief Minister, blames the State Government first
Jharkhand
Jharkhand Lokayukta Act was enacted in the year 2001. The office of
Jharkahnd High Court, Justice Laxman Oraon was appointed as the first Lokayukta of
Amaresh-% ar Sahay. a former Judge of High Court of Jharkhand has been appointed as
Harr ana
On 6`' January, 2003 Haryana Lokayukta Bill 2002 received the assent of the
President of India.1 '8 Justice I.P Vashisht (retired) was appointed as a first Lokyukta
of I Iaryana.159 The Annual Report of the Haryana Lokayukta for the period of 2006 to
72
2007 tabled in the State Assembly was full with misgivings about the lack of
cooperation from the Government side. In the report it is given that even the letters
written by Lokavukta office to various officials fail to evoke any response, even
reminders also remain unacknowledged the only thing left is to summon the officials.
According to the report even in the cases where inquiry reports were submitted action
was not taken against the guilty person. All this clearly shows that someone in the
servants were conducted by officials who are junior in rank to the erring officers and
the general public does not expect fair inquiry in such cases.'" Justice Pritam Pal has
taken over the office of Lokavukta on 1' January 2011. Justice Pritam Pal said that
Haryana Lokayukta Act, 2002 is toothless and there is need to amend it so that the
Loka}ukta has the power to punish the guilty officials and takes suomoto cognizance
of offences, committed by corrupt public servants. Pritam Pal said that he has decided
to visit every district of Haryana with the purpose of creating awareness among the
Goa
The Goa I.oka-, ukta Act. 2011 . has been passed by the Legislative Assembly
of a Goa on i`'' October. 2011 and been given assent by the President of India162 on
12`h May, 2012. Notified in the official Gazette on 18`h May, 2012, the rules have to
be framed, appointments have to he made and the Act has to be brought into force.1G3
Uttarakhand
assent to the Lokayukta Bill, Governor Margaret Alva had sent the Bill to President
Pratibha Patil for final approval. The Lokayuta Bill has been put on hold by the new
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, he said that he would carry out certain amendments
73
in the Uttarakhand Lokpal Bill which was passed by the Legislative Assembly and
fighting the corruption and help in redressing the grievance of a common men in the
State. Lokayukta is a non-political functionary, with the highest judicial rank and are
independent, which make them capable to fight corruption. During the comparative
Ombudsman at the State level in India, have different names in some it is known as a
Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab do not have a
provision for the appointment of Upalokayukta they have only Lokayukta. While the
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, llttar Pradesh, have provision for the
Appointment
Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa, the Governor has been empowered to make
74
the appointment of the Lokayukta with the consultation of the Chief Justice of the
High Court and the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly of that State,
or if there is no such leader than Governor will consult a person selected in his behalf
by the members of the opposition in that house in such a manner as the Speaker may
direct. According to the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta Act Governor appoints Lokayukta
after consulting the Chief Justice of the High Court. ' 6 In Assam in the appointment of
Lokayukta the Governor consult the Chief Justice of the High Court, Speaker and the
appointment of Lokayukta, the Governor consult the Chief Minister who shall consult
the Chief Justice of the High Court of the State and Speaker of the Legislative
the advice of the Chief Minister, Chief Justice of the High Court of the State, the
leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly.161 In the
Act of Haryana it is given that while appointing Lokayukta Governor consult the
Chief Minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, leader of the opposition and
the Chief Justice of the India.'69 In Kerala at the time of appointment of the Lokayukta
Governor consult the Chief Minister. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the
appointment of the Lokayukta the Governor consult the Chief Minister, Speaker of the
Upalokayukta than the Chief Justice of the High Court in which he is working shall be
consulted.t "The appointment of the Upalokayukta has been treated by the Lokayukta
appointed in Rajasthan after the resignation of K.P.0 Menon who was the first
incumbent. In 1978, the Act was amended and removed the obligatory character of the
Qualification
specific qualification has been prescribed for the appointment of Lokayukta. On the
other hand the Lokayukta Act of Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
and Punjab prescribe judicial qualification for the person who is appointed as a
Lokayukta or Upalokayukta but it varies from State to State. In Assam, Orissa and
Uttar Pradesh a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or a High
Lokayukta. In Himachal Pradesh. Karnataka and Kerala Judge of the Supreme Court
Judge of a High Court or the person who has held a judicial office higher than that of
Lokpal.17 ' So far as the qualification of the Uplokayukta is concerned, the Lokayukta
Acts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Assam do not make any
prescription. But in Karnataka, Kerala. Orissa a Judge of High Court can only
become the Uplokayukta. In Andhra Pradesh district Judges of the grade I, are
Secretary to the Government of India or the Chief Secretary to any State Government
or who has held the office of the Secretary to the Government of India or has held any
other post under Central or a State Government carrying a pay scale which is not less
Upalokayukta.'82
Tenure
Lokayukta and Uplokayukta are appointed for a fixed period which varies
from State to State. In the Lokayukta Acts of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra it is given that the Lokayukta and the Upalokayukta are appointed for a
fixed tenure of five years. In Assam the tenure of Lokayukta is either five years or till
the attainment of the age of sixty eight years.'83 By an amendment in the Rajasthan
Act the tenure of the Lokayukta was reduced to three years. In Uttar Pradesh through
an amendment of the Lokayukta Act in January 1988 the term of I,okayukta was
raised to six years.' 4 In Punjab and Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta is appointed for a
Jurisdiction
the general or specific approval of a Minister or Secretary or any other public servant
which comes under its jurisdiction. The Upalokayukta have a power to investigate
the question of covering authorities, within the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta and
Upalokaykuta. The Chief Minister comes within the jurisdiction of Lokayukta in the
Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala and Punjab. In other States Chief Minister is outside
the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta. In Lokayukta Acts of all States, Ministers are
leader of the opposition of the Legislative Assembly comes under the jurisdiction of
the Lokavukta.'8' Most of the Lokayukta Acts include the authorities of local bodies,
by State Government.
Jharkhand, deals with both type of complaints related to allegations and grievances.
The word allegation in relation to public servant means any affirmation that such
public servant.
78
(1) Has abused his position as such to obtain any gain or favor to himself or to any
(ii) Was actuated in the discharge of his functions as such public servant by
servant.
which are having both Lokayukta and Uplokayukta, Uplokayukta has been put
Outside jurisdiction
It is clearly stipulated in all the Lokayukta Acts that there are certain matters
which are not subject to investigation by the Lokayukta or Uplokayukta such as action
taken for the purpose of investigating a crime or protecting the security of State,
conditions of service, grant of honors and awards are excluded from its jurisdiction.
However actions relating to claims for pension, gratuity, provident fund or any claim
which arise on retirement, removal or termination of service are not excluded from the
\,~av of appeal. revision, review etc.. before any tribunal or the court, such matter shall
also not to be investigated. Discretion, however, has been given to the Lokayukta.
Cases in respect of which a formal and public inquiry has been ordered under the
Public Servants Inquires Act, 1850 are not included. Matters which have been referred
79
for inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, with prior concurrence of the
Act of Assam, Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Lokayukta shall not investigate any
complaint of grievance if the complaint is made after the expiry of a twelve months
from the date on which action complained against becomes known to the complainant.
complaint is made after the expiry of a six months from the date on which action
Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Lokayukta will not entertain
complaints of allegation if the complaint is made after the expiry of five years from
the date on which the action complained become known to the complainant. In
Andhra Pradesh Lokavukta will not entertain complaints of allegation if the complaint
is made after the expiry six years, from the date on which the action complained
entertain complaints of allegation if the complaint is made after the expiry ten years
from the date on which the action complained become known to the complainant.'88
Service Conditions
restrictions have been imposed on the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta, like it is clearly
mentioned in the Lokavukta Acts of all the States that the Lokayukta and
hold any office of profit under the State Government nor they can carry on any kind
of business, if they are involved in any of these activities they should give resignation
then only they are eligible to be appointed as a Lokayukta and Upalokayukta, they
80
have also been debarred from political activities. After their retirement they have been
made ineligible to hold another office either falling under the State Government of
respective States. Andhra Pradesh Act limits this ineligibility clause to five years for
further employment, either under the Government or any such local authority,
restriction on the retiring dignitaries by adding that they cannot take up any
employment under any local authority in any Union Territory, which is notified by the
Central Government in this behalf in the official Gazette, or any corporation (not
being a local authority) established by or under a Central Act and owned or controlled
all the Lokayukta Acts that salary and service conditions of the Lokayukta and
appointment.
Removal
The procedure prescribed for the removal of the Lokayukta and the
Upalokayukta is almost the same in all the Lokayukta Acts. It is provided in the
Lokayukta Acts that Lokayukta and Upalokayukta can be removed from the office in
the same manner as provided in the Constitution for the removal of Judges of the High
Court or Supreme Courts. They can be removed from their office only by Governor
Governor shall, before removing the Lokpal consult the Chief Justice of the High
Court of the State and the leader of the opposition and in the removal of the
Lokayukta, he shall consult the Lokpal.19 ' If either Lokayukta is by reason of absence
81
or any other reason is unable to perform duties of his office or the Lokayukta office
becomes vacant due to the retirement of the Lokayukta in such a case arrangement is
made under all the Lokayukta Acts, that in the absence of the Lokayukta, his duties
\vill be performed by the tJplokayukta or if there are two or more Uplokayuktas, than
Governor will decide who will take the responsibility of the Lokayukta. These
arrangements are only for a short period. All the Lokayukta Acts assume a situation in
which either the Lokayukta or an Uplokayukta would be there to take over the job of
either of the functionaries falling vacant. But none of the Lokayukta Acts imagine a
take over the job. This lacuna was removed in the Rajasthan Act through an
amendment in 1978. A provision has been made that if the office of a Lokayukta
becomes vacant, or if he is unable to perform the duties of his office and there is also
no Uplokayukta. then in such a situation Governor may ask the State Chief Justice to
nominate any High Court Judge to look after Lokayukta work in addition to his own
duties.'`'`
Kerala, Maharashtra. Orissa and Uttar Pradesh, it is given that in case of a grievance
only the person aggrieved has the right to move to the Lokayukta or Uplokayuta.
Orissa. Uttar Pradesh, in the case of an allegation any person can file a complaint to
the Lokayukta except public servant. Thus, public servant has been expressly
prohibited from seeking redress from the Lokayukta organization. But where person
aggrieved is dead or is for any reason unable to act for himself the complaint may be
made by any person who in law represents his State or is authorized by him in this
82
regard. In Chhattisgarh. Karnataka, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh any one can make a
complaint there is no restriction on any one which prevent him or her from filing a
accompanied by an affidavit and fees as may be prescribed by rules under the Act.
The amount of fee and the requirement of such fee, vary in Lokayukta Acts of
different States. In Madhya Pradesh fee is twenty five rupees.19 In Chattisgarh fee is
two hundred fifty rupees,'94 in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab it is thousand
rupees. In Madhya Pradesh deposit of fee and affidavit are not necessary for filing a
complaint against public servant in relation to whom the Chief Minister is not the
competent authority.`'' In Orissa rupees fifty for grievance and two hundred fifty for
Madhya Pradesh. and Gujarat give power to the Lokavukta and Upalokayukta to
dispense with the requirement of fee in suitable cases. In Lokayukta Act of Haryana,
Most of the Lokayukta Acts provide that any letter written to the Lokayukta or
insane persons is to be forwarded to the addresses unopened and without any delay by
the authority in whose custody such person is. The barrier of making complaints in the
correct turn) and accompanied by the filing of the affidavit has, thus been ignored in
the case of above category of persons because of the peculiar situation they have been
placed in otherwise they may not be in a position to make complaints at all, but in
Uttar Pradesh and Assam no such action in respect of such complaint shall be taken
person who has written the letter to tile a complaint shall with in such reasonable
83
period, not being less than one month tile an affidavit failing which Lokpal may reject
the letter.
can be or could have been in the opinion of the Lokayukta or Upalokayukta, the
Procedure of investigation
case ma\ be. proposes to conduct investigation, after being satisfied and making
complaint to the concerned officer and also to the concerned competent authority.
Lokayukta also gives an opportunity to the concerned public servant for offering his
Upalokayukta has to be conducted in private and the identity of the complainant or the
person complained against is not to be disclosed to the public or press at any stage of
enquiry in public if the matter in his view is of definite public importance. He must,
however, specify the reasons in writing for holding an enquiry in public. All the
been made in good faith. He may also refuse investigation into the matter complained
against if other suitable remedies are available to the complainant. In such cases the
Lokavukta or the U plokayukta is required to give his reasons for refusing to entertain
fro, All Lokayukta Acts confer power on the Lokayukta or the Upalokayukta to
require any public servant or any person who can furnish any information or produce
documents. The Lokayukta or Uplokayukta has the powers of civil court while trying
a suit under the Civil Procedure Code. In other words, he may summon and enforce
the attendance of any person and examine him an oath. He may require the discovery
requisition any public document or copy thereof from any court or office. He may
meaning of Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code. No person shall be compelled to
give any evidence or produce any document which he could not be compelled to give
Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Punjab have the provision which give power to
the Lokawkta to issue search warrant for the purpose of search and seizure of any
property document or thing that will be necessary or useful for or relevant to any
In all the Lokayukta Acts it is given that if after investigation, the Lokayukta
injustice or undue hardship occurred to the complainant or any other person in such a
manner and within such time as may be specified in the report. The competent
85
authority within one month of the expiry of the period, shall intimate the action taken
forward its report along with documents to the competent authority, who in turn shall
intimate or cause to be intimated the action taken or proposed to be taken within three
satisfied with the action taken, he shall close the case under intimation to the
complainant, the public servant and the competent authority. If not satisfied, he may
make a special report upon the case to the Governor and also inform the complainant
and the competent authority. Annual Consolidated Report shall be presented to the
Governor, who shall cause a copy thereof together with an explanatory memorandum
Intentional insult
Jharkhand that whoever intentionally offers any insult or causes any interruption to
inquiry under this Act or whoever by words spoken or intended to be read, makes or
publishes any statement or does any other act, which is calculated to bring the
Lokayukta into disrepute shall be punished with simple imprisonment or fine or both.
Karnataka and Kerala imprisonment may extend to one year, in Orissa imprisonment
may extend to two years, or fine or both,'98 in Punjab imprisonment may extend to
one month or with fine of rupees two thousand or with both.199 Himachal Pradesh
86
Lokayukta has the power and authority in respect of contempt of itself as High Court
has.2DO
punished with imprisonment and fine or both. This has been done with a view to
discouraging any kind of character assassination and to check frivolous, vexatious and
false complaints. However the extent of imprisonment as well as the amount of fine is
Assam. Rajasthan. Uttar Pradesh, imprisonment may extend to three years and shall
also be liable to tine. In Andhra Pradesh imprisonment may extend to one year and
shall also be liable to fine.211 In Chhaltisgarh imprisonment may extend to two years
or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or both.202 In Himachal
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh imprisonment may extend to two years and fine which may
extend to five thousand rupees or both. In Gujarat imprisonment may extend to two
years and shall also be liable to fine.201 In Kerala imprisonment is of not less than
three months but which may extend to six months and fine which shall not be less
than two thousand and may extend to five thousand rupees 2°° In Karnataka
imprisonment not less than six months and may extend to three years and with fine
which shall not be less than two thousand and may extend to five thousand205 In
Punjab imprisonment may extend to one year and fine which may extend to five
thousand rupees'O' In Haryana imprisonment which may extend to three years or tine
Protection
proceedings is enjoyed by the Lokayukta and Upalokayukta and other agencies and
quashed or called in question in any court. except on the ground of jurisdiction. Thus
immunity from court proceedings has been granted to the Lokayukta or Uplokayukta
regarding any matter connected with his action under the provision of the Lokayukta
Act.
In all the Lokayukta Acts it is given that the Lokayukta may appoint or
and other employees to assist the Lokayukta and the Uplokayukta in the discharge of
investigation agency of the State or Central Government with the concern of that
Secrecy of information
In all the Lokayukta Acts it is given that any information adduced in the office
of the Lokayukta or Upalokayukta shall be confidential and no court can compel the
collected. However this shall not apply to disclosure of any information for purposes
Upalokayukta.
88
i) Purposes of any proceedings for an offence under the official secrets Act. 1923
Power to delegate
It is given in all the Lokayukta Acts that the Lokayukta or the Upalokayukta
are authorized to delegate any power conferred or duties given to him to his officers,
The History of Lokpal and Lokayukta at the Centre showed that many
attempts have been made but the Dill could not be passed due to one reason or the
other at the Central level. Political parties have always displayed utmost amount of
enthusiasm for setting up the institution of Lokpal. But if the Central Government is
truly sincere in this respect, then surely the Lokpal will be established at the Central
level. We don't have a Lokpal at the Centre but many State Government established
Jharkhand showed that there is a big gap between the passing of the Act and its actual
and Haryana showed that there is a lack of cooperation from the Government side.
Lokayukta in all the States are working hard but it is found that fewer complaints are
Assembly. In general, the Lokayukta scheme has been regarded more as a failure in
dealing with cases of corruption. States in which Lokayukta have a power to deal with
89
For the removal of deficiencies in the Lokayukta Acts, amendments in legislations are
required there is need to provide suomoto powers, power of search and seizure and
power to punish to the Lokayukta. There is a need to tone up the State administration
Government should give its full cooperation to the Lokayukta, the competent
authority should fully cooperate. Personal qualities, such as the image, caliber,
persuasive power, and dynamisrn, perception of his role and initiative of the
individual Lokayukta also count in the success or failure of the office. The attitude of
those who appoint the Ombudsman and the agility, and attentiveness of those for
whom he is appointed also go a long way in determining the level of success or failure
of the Lokayukta institution,208 The role of Lokayukta is not just to accuse public
servants for misconduct. IIe is also expected to guard those public servants who did
no wrong and were falsely iutplicated.20Y After independence large number of steps
have been taken to curb the rising corruption but these have not brought good results
due to lack of accountability in the system, India needs Lokpal and Lokayukta both at
the Central level and at the State level. Governmental administration can be improved
administration, but who is not involved in making administrative decisions and who is
under the category of the poor man, which are not able to stand up for his rights
against the administration, so for common man sake Government at the Centre and
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