The Aryavarth Express
Nagpur (Maharashtra): Nearly two years after its passage, Maharashtra is finally set to implement its new Lokayukta Act, following the State Legislature’s approval of amendments recommended by the Central Government. The development comes amid persistent pressure from veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who had warned of an indefinite fast starting 31 January 2026 if the Act was not enforced.
The Lokayukta Bill was originally cleared by the Assembly on 28 December 2022 and by the Legislative Council on 15 December 2023, before being sent for Presidential assent. While President Droupadi Murmu approved the Bill, she advised the State to incorporate three key changes, which were formally communicated to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Explaining the amendments in the Legislature, Fadnavis stated that bodies constituted solely under Central laws would not automatically fall under the State Lokayukta’s jurisdiction. However, if officers working in such institutions are appointed by the State Government, they will be covered under the Act. Similarly, officials appointed by the State to any Central institution will also come under the Lokayukta’s purview.
The revised law also updates references to align with the Centre’s new criminal law codes — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — replacing mentions of the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act.
Once the new Act is notified, the tenure of the current Lokayukta appointed under the old law will stand cancelled. To ensure continuity, the incumbent will remain in office until the newly appointed Lokayukta takes charge.
With both Houses now approving the amendments and Presidential assent already in place, the State Government is expected to operationalise the new Lokayukta Act soon — a significant step toward bolstering accountability and strengthening Maharashtra’s anti-corruption framework.
