Lokayukta

Why in news?

• Recently government of Kerala decides to bring an ordinance to clip Lokayukta powers. According to the proposed amendment, the Lokayukta would have only powers to make recommendations or send reports to the government, effectively reducing its powers to advisory in nature.

What is Lokayukta?

• Lokayukta is an anti-corruption authority or ombudsman – an official appointed by the government to represent the interests of the public.
• Most importantly, it investigates allegations of corruption and mal-administration against public servants and is tasked with speedy redressal of public grievances.
• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, commonly known The Lokpal Act was passed by the Parliament of India in December 2013.
• It also called for establishment of Lokpal at the Centre.

Jurisdiction

• The Lokayuktas shall have jurisdiction over the CM, Ministers, MLAs, all state government employees and certain private entities

Who is appointed as the Lokayukta?

• The Lokayukta is usually a former High Court Chief Justice or former Supreme Court judge and has a fixed tenure.

Selection of Lokayukta:

• The Chief Minister selects a person as the Lokayukta after consultation with the High Court Chief Justice, The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.
• The appointment is then made by the Governor.
• Once appointed, Lokayukta cannot be dismissed nor transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. Lokayukta have jurisdiction over the Ministers of the concerned state government

2. Once appointed, Lokayukta can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state legislative assembly

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer