Maha Lokayukta Bill bringing CM under its ambit tabled

The Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill 2022 that will bring the chief minister and his council of ministers under the purview of the ombudsman was tabled in the state assembly on Monday. The draft bill, however, states that prior approval of the assembly has to be obtained, before initiating any inquiry against the chief minister.

The draft bill states that the motion clearing the inquiry against the chief minister has to be passed by not less than two-thirds of the total members of the Assembly. The draft bill also states that the Lokayukta cannot inquire into any allegation of corruption against the chief minister if it pertains to internal security or related to public order in the state.

The draft bill states that an inquiry against the chief minister should be held in-camera and the records would not be published or shared with anyone if the complaint is dismissed. The investigation against the CM needs to be held by the full five-member bench of the Lokayukta.


The Lokayukta would also need the approval of the presiding officer in the assembly to probe ministers. Riders have also been put to initiate probes against IAS and IPS officers in the state -- approvals from the chief minister and the chief secretary are needed for the same.

The Lokayukta chairperson shall be a person who has been the chief justice of a High Court, a judge of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Bombay High Court, states the draft bill.