Lokayukta

1. A Lokayukta is empowered to investigate complaints relating to the actions of public officials as provided under the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971.
2. Lokayukta is the institution functioning at State Level.
3. The State of Maharashtra was the first State in India that setup the orgnaization of Lokayukta through the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act in 1971.
4. Lokayukta is defined under Section 2(e) of the above Act, 1971
   A person appointed as the Lokayukta under Section – 3 of the Act.
5. Upa – Lokayukta is defined under Section 2(f) of the above Act, 1971
   A person appointed as the Upa Lokayukta under Section – 3 of the Act.
6. The Governor of the Maharashtra State appoints the Lokayukta after due consultations with Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
7. The appointment of Upa-Lokayukta is made after consultation with the Lokayukta.
8. The term of Office of the Lokayukta or the Upa-Lokayukta is of five years.
9. Removal
   The removal of Lokayukta or Upa-Lokayukta can be made on the grounds of misbehavior or incapacity as per the procedure prescribed under the Act and the Constitution of India.
10. Powers
    Any citizen of country can make the complaint of corruption directly to the Lokayukta against any Government officer or elected representative. The powers of Lokayukta varies from State to State. In some States of the Country, the Lokayukta inquires into allegations made against public functionaries including Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs. While in some states, he has the power to investigate into Civil Servants/Bureaucrats, Judiciary and Police.

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