Introduction
India’s quest for clean governance led to the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, intended to establish independent anti-corruption bodies at both the central and state levels. While much hope was placed in these institutions, a performance audit nearly a decade later reveals critical implementation failures. From delayed appointments to procedural bottlenecks and political interference, both the Lokpal and Lokayuktas have failed to live up to their promise of accountability and redress.
Lokpal: Promise vs Reality
Delayed Operationalisation
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Enacted in 2013, the first Lokpal was constituted only in 2019, due to delay linked to absence of a recognized Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the selection committee.
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Appointment & Institutional Gaps
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Vacancies in key roles (judicial and administrative members) continue, leading to understaffing and inefficiency.
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Procedural rules for filing complaints were delayed, delaying legitimate cases.
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Complaints & Disposals: Rejection Rate & Low Investigations
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Between 2019–2023, Lokpal received ~ 8,700 complaints; over 90% were dismissed for format violations.
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Only ~3% of complaints were investigated; prosecutions were negligible.
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Case Study: Madhabi Buch Clean Chit
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In May 2025, former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch was exonerated by Lokpal; allegations were termed “politically motivated.”
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Lokayuktas: State-Level Dysfunction
Patchy Establishment & Functionality
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Only 19 states have enacted the Lokayukta law; many offices remain vacant or underfunded.
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States such as Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh have either delayed appointments or diluted powers.
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Case in Point: Karnataka Lokayukta
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Though among the most active, convictions were minimal: only ~16 convictions from ~3,100 cases between 1995–2011.
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Majority of investigations were citizen-driven, with low suo-motu action.
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Political Apathy and Inaction
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In Goa, the outgoing Lokayukta resigned in frustration—none of his 21 reports had been acted upon.
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Key Performance Issues – Comparative Overview
| Domain | Lokpal (Central) | Lokayuktas (State) |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation Delay | First operational body after 6 years | Many states yet to appoint or legislate |
| Complaint Handling |
90% rejected on format issues |
Varies widely; serious backlog in several states |
| Prosecution Rate | <1% complaints investigated, zero convictions | Karnataka <1% conviction rate |
| Independence | Selection committee influenced; LoP absence issue | Appointment politically controlled or office vacant |
| Infrastructure & Staffing | Understaffed; inadequate investigative wings | Inadequate resources and poorly coordinated |
Challenges Identified by Audits & Review Committees
Procedural Barriers
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Dependency on rigid formats discourages whistleblowers and delays cases even when substantive evidence exists.
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Lack of Investigative Independence
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Lokpal relies heavily on external agencies like CBI or ED for investigations—raising questions about impartiality.
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Jurisdictional Limitations
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Lokpal lacks authority over the judiciary and has restricted mandate over the Prime Minister in matters of security or national interest.
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Institutional Apathy & Political Interference
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Selection committees include political actors; whistleblower protections remain weak or conditional.
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Way Forward: Recommendations for Reform
Streamline Complaint Process
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Simplify formats; introduce digital, citizen-friendly platforms; permit anonymous disclosure where risk is high.
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Ensure Full Functional Independence
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Lokpal should build dedicated, internal investigative and prosecution wings to reduce reliance on CBI/ED.
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Strengthen Lokayuktas' Authority
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States must strictly adhere to deadlines, provide full powers including sanction requisition, and ensure timely appointments.
Enhance Institutional Transparency & Oversight
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Annual performance auditing by CAG; parliamentary review mechanisms; public reporting on case outcomes and backlog.
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Empower Whistleblowers
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Expand protections; reduce penalties for false reporting; moderate anonymity requirements to encourage reporting of high-stakes cases.
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Conclusion
Despite monumental intent, both Lokpal and Lokayuktas have struggled to deliver on anti-corruption goals. From high complaint dismissal rates to lack of convictions, poor coordination, and political interference, the institutions remain underperforming. Reform is overdue—not just in law, but in practice, independence, and citizen accessibility. If India is serious about clean governance, it must strengthen these ombudsman bodies with institutional clarity, independence, and accountability before expectations once again outpace performance.