Lokayukta Bill passed by Maharashtra assembly

30 Dec 2022 CW Team

Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, referred to the bill as historic legislation and noted that Maharashtra is the first state to have such a law.

Deepak Kesarkar, a cabinet minister, proposed the bill that will subject the Chief Minister and the government to the anti-corruption ombudsman's oversight. The Bill stipulates that the Lokayukta must get the assembly's consent before opening any inquiries into the chief minister and presenting a proposal to the house for consideration.

Such a proposal would require the consent of at least two-thirds of the entire Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, in accordance with the requirements of the Bill.

In accordance with the Bill, the Lokayukta will not investigate matters involving accusations of corruption against the Chief Minister that are connected to internal security or public order.

Additionally, it is stated that any such inquiry shall be conducted in confidence, and that the records of the inquiry shall not be made public or accessible to the public if the Lokayukta determines that the complaint should be rejected.

The Lokayukta must have a chairperson who is either a current or former Chief Justice of a High Court, as required by the legislation. A judge from the Bombay High Court or the Supreme Court will be present in addition to this. A maximum of four people may serve on the Lokayukta, with two coming from the judiciary.

The Chief Minister, the deputy Chief minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Council, and a judge chosen by the Chief Justice or Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court will make up the selection committee for the appointment of the Lokayukta Chairperson and Members.

According to the measure proposed in the assembly, the absence of any members of the selection committee will not render any appointments to the positions of chairman or member of the Lokayukta unlawful.

The Lokayukta Bill 2022, which places the chief minister and council of ministers under the purview of the anti-corruption ombudsman, was approved by the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday. Due to a walkout by the opposition over the suspected fraud in the Teachers Entrance Test, the law was passed without debate. Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, referred to the bill as historic legislation and noted that Maharashtra is the first state to have such a law. Deepak Kesarkar, a cabinet minister, proposed the bill that will subject the Chief Minister and the government to the anti-corruption ombudsman's oversight. The Bill stipulates that the Lokayukta must get the assembly's consent before opening any inquiries into the chief minister and presenting a proposal to the house for consideration. Such a proposal would require the consent of at least two-thirds of the entire Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, in accordance with the requirements of the Bill. In accordance with the Bill, the Lokayukta will not investigate matters involving accusations of corruption against the Chief Minister that are connected to internal security or public order. Additionally, it is stated that any such inquiry shall be conducted in confidence, and that the records of the inquiry shall not be made public or accessible to the public if the Lokayukta determines that the complaint should be rejected. The Lokayukta must have a chairperson who is either a current or former Chief Justice of a High Court, as required by the legislation. A judge from the Bombay High Court or the Supreme Court will be present in addition to this. A maximum of four people may serve on the Lokayukta, with two coming from the judiciary. The Chief Minister, the deputy Chief minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Council, and a judge chosen by the Chief Justice or Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court will make up the selection committee for the appointment of the Lokayukta Chairperson and Members. According to the measure proposed in the assembly, the absence of any members of the selection committee will not render any appointments to the positions of chairman or member of the Lokayukta unlawful.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Infrastructure Urban

19 Sep 2025

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..