Lokayukta vs. Lokpal: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on February 19, 2024
Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman at the state level in India, while Lokpal is a national-level anti-corruption authority.
Key Differences
Lokayukta is an anti-corruption institution established in various states of India, dealing with corruption cases against public servants at the state level. Lokpal, on the other hand, is a national-level body in India, tasked with addressing corruption in the central government and its agencies.
The jurisdiction of Lokayukta is confined to the boundaries of the state in which it is established and it deals primarily with cases related to state government officials and employees. Lokpal's jurisdiction, however, extends across India and covers a broader range of officials, including the Prime Minister, members of parliament, and central government employees.
Each state in India has its own Lokayukta with varying powers and functions, as defined by the respective state laws. The Lokpal, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013, functions under a uniform set of rules and has a standardized structure across the country.
The appointment process for Lokayukta varies from state to state, often involving the state's Chief Minister, judiciary, and legislative assembly. For Lokpal, the appointment is made by a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist.
Lokayukta acts as a decentralized entity, allowing for more localized handling of corruption cases, while Lokpal operates as a centralized body, providing a uniform approach to combating corruption at the national level.
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Comparison Chart
Level of Operation
State level
National level
Jurisdiction
Limited to respective state's public servants
Covers central government, including the Prime Minister
Establishment
Established by individual states
Established under a central act of parliament
Structure and Rules
Varies by state
Uniform across the country
Appointment Process
Involves state officials and varies by state
Involves central government and judiciary
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Lokayukta and Lokpal Definitions
Lokayukta
Lokayukta is a state-level anti-corruption body in India.
The Lokayukta of Karnataka investigated the corruption allegations in the state department.
Lokpal
Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013, Lokpal functions uniformly across India.
The Lokpal operates under guidelines set by the 2013 Act.
Lokayukta
Lokayukta deals with corruption cases involving state government officials.
The Lokayukta was called upon to probe the misconduct of a state-level bureaucrat.
Lokpal
The appointment of Lokpal is made by a high-level selection committee.
The Lokpal’s selection involved the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India.
Lokayukta
Lokayukta’s role and structure vary across different Indian states.
The Telangana Lokayukta has different operational procedures than the Lokayukta in Tamil Nadu.
Lokpal
Lokpal’s jurisdiction extends to all central government employees, including the Prime Minister.
Lokpal was set up to probe corruption allegations involving central ministries.
Lokayukta
Each Indian state has its own Lokayukta with specific powers.
Maharashtra's Lokayukta has unique powers compared to other states.
Lokpal
Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman at the national level in India.
The Lokpal investigates corruption charges against high-ranking central government officials.
Lokayukta
Lokayukta functions independently within a state’s jurisdiction.
The Lokayukta in Uttar Pradesh operates autonomously in handling state corruption cases.
Lokpal
Lokpal is a centralized body for addressing national-level corruption.
Lokpal serves as the central point for investigations into corruption in central government agencies.
FAQs
Can Lokayukta investigate private citizens?
No, Lokayukta primarily deals with public servants and government officials at the state level.
What is the purpose of Lokayukta?
To investigate and address corruption cases at the state level in India.
How is Lokayukta appointed?
The appointment process varies by state, often involving the Chief Minister and judicial authorities.
What is the jurisdiction of Lokpal?
Lokpal’s jurisdiction covers the entire central government and its officials across India.
Who oversees Lokayukta in each state?
Lokayukta operates independently but is accountable to the respective state’s judiciary and legislative assembly.
Does Lokpal have uniform rules?
Yes, Lokpal operates under a uniform set of rules established by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013.
Is the power of Lokayukta the same in all states?
No, the powers and functions of Lokayukta vary from state to state.
What is Lokpal's main function?
To handle corruption cases involving central government officials, including the Prime Minister.
Can Lokpal investigate the Prime Minister?
Yes, but with certain restrictions and after obtaining full-bench approval.
Can Lokayukta initiate suo moto actions?
In some states, Lokayukta has the power to initiate actions on its own (suo moto).
Who can file a complaint with Lokpal?
Any citizen of India can file a complaint with Lokpal regarding central government officials.
How is Lokpal different from CBI?
Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman, while CBI is a central investigative agency; their functions and jurisdictions differ.
Can state governments influence Lokayukta?
Ideally, Lokayukta functions independently, but the degree of independence can vary by state.
Is Lokpal a permanent body?
Yes, Lokpal is a statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013.
How does Lokayukta impact state governance?
Lokayukta aims to improve governance by addressing corruption and misconduct at the state level.
What kind of cases does Lokpal handle?
Lokpal handles cases of corruption, graft, and misconduct within the central government.
Does Lokayukta have judicial powers?
Lokayukta has investigative powers but typically does not have judicial authority to prosecute.
What’s the role of Lokpal in preventing corruption?
Lokpal plays a crucial role in deterring and investigating corruption in central government bodies.
Are the findings of Lokayukta legally binding?
Lokayukta's findings can lead to legal action, but they themselves are not court verdicts.
How does Lokpal contribute to transparency?
Lokpal enhances transparency by independently investigating corruption in high government offices.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
