Maharashtra Lokayukta

The Maharashtra Lokayukta is the body overseeing corruption in various agencies in the Govt. of Maharashtra in India. Established in 1971, it is the first ever Lokayukta of all States of India. It was established through The Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971.[1][2]

It is considered to be one of the weakest Lokayukta in India due to lack of powers, inadequate staff, inadequate funds and no independent investigating agency.[3][2][4][5][6]

Appointment

The Maharashtra Lokayukta consists of one Lokayuka and one or more Upa-Lokayukta. 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]

Eligibility

Lokayuka or Upa-Lokayukta can not be a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly. He can not hold any Office of profit.

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

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]

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.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971" (PDF). General Administration Department, Government of Maharashtra. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 6, 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Lokayukta a 'paper tiger' in Anna's home state". The Times of India. Aug 18, 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  3. ↑ "Toothless Watch Dogs - Image file". India Today. February 11, 2012. Archived from the original on 12 Feb 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  4. ↑ http://gad.maharashtra.gov.in/Sitemap/gad/pdf/LokAayuktaActEng.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/maharashtra-lokayukta-received-1680-complaints-but-no-probe-rti/1058827
  6. ↑ Ravikiran Deshmukh (26 December 2011). "Let's look at Lokayukta for a change!". Mid-Day. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
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