Maharashtra: Following center-backed amendments, Maharashtra is set to implement the long-pending Lokayukta Act

Maharashtra: Maharashtra’s new Lokayukta Act will finally go into effect after an almost two-year wait, thanks to the State Legislature’s adoption of changes recommended by the Central Government. The action was taken in response to persistent requests by seasoned social activist Anna Hazare, who had said that if the Act was not implemented, she would fast indefinitely starting on January 31, 2026.

Before being sent to the President for assent, the original Lokayukta Bill was approved by the Assembly on December 28, 2022, and the Legislative Council on December 15, 2023. While approving the bill, President Droupadi Murmu suggested that the State include three important revisions. Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, was officially apprised of these recommendations by the legislature.

Fadnavis explained that the State Lokayukta would not always have jurisdiction over agencies created only under Central legislation. However, the Lokayukta will have jurisdiction over officials in such entities if they are nominated by the State Government. Likewise, the Lokayukta Act will apply to officials nominated by the State to an institution, even if it was established by the Central Government.

The law’s references have also been updated to reflect the new criminal codes that the Center has adopted, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These codes have replaced references from the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act.

The present Lokayukta appointed under the previous Act would have their term terminated once the new law goes into effect, according to the updated statute. The current Lokayukta will remain in office until the incoming Lokayukta takes over in order to avoid any administrative voids.

The State Government will soon implement the revised Lokayukta Act, a significant step towards bolstering accountability and anti-corruption measures in Maharashtra, after the modified Bill was approved by both Houses and the President’s assent was obtained.