ONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF LOKAYUKTA IN INDIA

In today’s current world scenario, the Government and Business Organisations are constantly
seeking solutions for combating the continuous challenges of corruption. The Lokayukta which
reflects the cornerstone institution in India’s anti-corruption Ombudsman entity to look into
the claims of corruption against public officials and accountability framework, reflecting the
constitutional ethos of transparency, integrity, and good governance. The Preamble, the
Directive Principles of State Policy, and the constitutional vision of a welfare and accountable
state all lend legitimacy to the idea of Lokayukta, even though it is not mentioned in the Indian
Constitution. The first Administrative Reforms Commission (1966), which proposed the
establishment of AUTONOMOUS ombudsman bodies—the Lokpal at the federal level and
Lokayuktas at the state level—to look into grievances against public officials. Over time,
several states enacted their own Lokayukta legislations, culminating in a single statutory
framework through the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
This paper critically examines the constitutional and legal dimensions of the Lokayukta
in India, focusing on its jurisdiction, powers, autonomy, constitutional provisions and
limitations. It draws attention in state legislations, the scope of investigations into corruption
cases, and the role of judicial precedents in shaping the Lokayukta’s power. Despite being a
essential tool for ensuring the administrative accountability and transparency, the organisation
continues to faces persistent obstacles—ranging from political meddling and lack of uniformity
in laws to inadequate resources and less enforcement capacity.
The study delves into strengthening the Lokayukta requires harmonisation of state laws,
greater institutional independence, and effective coordination with other vigilance bodies.
Empowering the Lokayukta is important to realise the constitutional promise of probity in
public life, restore citizens’ trust in governance, and reinforce India’s democratic fabric through
ethical administration.