In this winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly held in Nagpur, the Lokayukta Bill 2022 was passed recently. The bill was tabled by Industries Minister Uday Samant.
The Lokayukta Bill brings the chief minister and council of ministers into the ambit of Lokayukta. Following the approval by both houses, the bill will now go to the president for approval before being implemented.
What Is The Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill 2022?
Created to resolve public concerns against the Maharashtra government and its administration, the Maharashtra Lokayukta is the highest statutory functionary in the State of Maharashtra, operating independently of the governing political and public administration.
The Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly are consulted before the Governor names the Lokayukta. The appointment of the Upa-Lokayukta is discussed with the Lokayukta, who is selected by the Chief Justice of Bombay HC and LoP. The selected individuals may hold office for a maximum of five years after being appointed.
The Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill 2022 supersedes the Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1971. The bill was approved by the state assembly last year but was sent to a joint committee for revisions.
By placing the chief minister under the purview of the Lokayukta, the state's highest public office will be answerable to the authority when it comes to claims of corruption involving public employees.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the council that the proposal came about as a result of discussions between government representatives and the Anna Hazare-led social activists. Fadnavis said the bill includes the terms of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which is an anti-corruption law.
In 1972, Maharashtra became the first state to designate a Lokayukta, though its authority was limited. As the minister of housing in the previous Fadnavis cabinet, Prakash Mehta was the highest-level official to be subject to a Lokayukta probe in recent years.
How Can The Bill Help Citizens?
Any citizen may file a direct complaint with the Lokayukta against corruption involving any elected politician or public servant. After receiving the complaint, the authority will then carry out an investigation against the suspect and solve the issue faced by the complainant citizen.
Before opening an investigation against the chief minister and presenting a resolution to the house, the Lokayukta must have the assembly's consent. A minimum of two-thirds of the Vidhan Sabha's total members must vote in favor of the motion.
The authority of the Lokayukta differs among states. The Lokayukta in certain states looks into complaints made against public officials, such as the chief minister, ministers, and MLAs. While others have the authority to look into police, judges, civil servants, or bureaucrats.
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