CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF LOKAYUKTA IN INDIA

ABSTRACT
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.

Keywords: Lokayukta, Lokpal, Corruption, Accountability, Constitutional Framework, Good
Governance, Administrative Law, Transparency, Public Trust, Autonomous Ombudsman.