Laxmikanth Test: Lokpal and Lokayuktas - UPSC MCQ

The 1^st Administrative Reforms Commission of India (1966-1970), headed by Morarji Desai, recommended the setting up of ‘Lokpal’ and ‘Lokayukta’ for the redressal of citizens’ grievances. These institutions were to be set up on the pattern of the institution of Ombudsman in Scandinavian countries and the parliamentary commissioner for investigation in New Zealand.

The ARC also recommended that the institutions of Lokpal and lokayukta should have the following features: 

1. They should be demonstratively independent and impartial. 
2. Their investigations and proceedings should be conducted in private and should be informal in character. 
3. Their appointment should be, as far as possible, non-political. 
4. Their status should compare with the highest judicial functionaries in the country. 
5. They should deal with matters in the discretionary field involving acts of injustice, corruption or favouritism. 
6. Their proceedings should not be subject to judicial interference. 
7. They should have the maximum latitude and powers in obtaining information relevant to their duties. 
8. They should not look forward to any benefit or pecuniary advantage from the executive government.

• Odisha is the first state in India to pass the Lokayukta act.
• Karnataka Lokayukta is considered the most powerful Lokayukta in India.
• Maharashtra the first state to establish the institution of the Lokayukta in India

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, commonly known as The Lokpal Act, is an anti-corruption Act of Indian Parliament in India which "seeks to provide for the establishment of the institution of Lokpal to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain important public functionaries including the Prime Minister

Parliamentary Ombudsman is the institution that the Scandinavian countries subsequently developed into its contemporary form, and which subsequently has been adopted in many other parts of the world. The word ombudsman and its specific meaning have since been adopted in various languages, such as Dutch.

The institution of Ombudsman was first created in Sweden in 1809. ‘Ombud’ is a Swedish term and refers to a person who acts as the representative or spokesman of another person. According to Donald C. Rowat, Ombudsman refers to “an officer appointed by the legislature to handle complaints against administrative and judicial action.”

The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) of India (1966–1970) recommended the setting up of two special authorities designated as ‘Lokpal’ and ‘lokayukta’ for the redressal of citizens’ grievances

Lokayuktas are not established as offices in all states of India as per current record.

From Sweden, the institution of Ombudsman spread to other Scandinavian countries– Finland (1919), Denmark (1955) and Norway (1962).

In respect of Lokayukta, shall be held only by a person appointed by the Governor, being a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or who is or has been a Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.