It is customary to talk about corruption in public life. But the common man does not realize that he can also play important role to stop the corruption. Alert and vigilant citizens who take interest in public affairs and speak up against any act of corruption or maladministration contribute towards making governance clean and efficient. In Odisha, to deal with such complaints institution of Lokayuktahas been set up.Since many people may not know about this institution,therefore, here are some glimpses about the role and function of the Lokayukta.
Q 2. Whether Odisha has a Lokayukta?
Ans. Yes, the office of Lokayukta has been operational in the State of Odisha since 07.07.2018. The institution of the Lokayukta was set up under the Odisha Lokayukta Act, 2014.
Q3. Who is the present Chairperson of the Lokayukta?
Ans. The Present Chairperson of the Lokayukta of the State of Odisha is Hon'ble Shri Justice Ajit Singh. Who assumed charge on 3rd of March, 2019.
Q 4. Who is a Public Servant?
Ans. As per Section – 2 (1) (n) of the Odisha Lokayukta Act, 2014, “Public Servant” means a person referred to in clauses (a) to (h) of sub-section (1) of section 14 but does not include a public servant in respect of whom the jurisdiction is exercisable by any court or other authority under the Army Act, 1950, the Air Force Act, 1950, the Navy Act, 1957 and the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
Q5. Who can lodge a complaint?
Ans. Any person may file complaint before the Lokayukta Odisha against any action of any Public Servant of Odisha, if such action amounts to corruption.
Q 6. Are there any forms & formats prescribed in regard to the complaint being filed?
Ans. No, presently no forms/ formats are prescribed in regard to the filing of a
complaint.
Q7. How the complaint can be filed?
Ans.The complaint can be filed personally or through registered post.
Q8. Is there any period of limitation prescribed for filing a complaint?
Ans. Yes. A complaint with allegations of corruption should be filed within seven years from the date of the impugned actions mentioned in Section 52 of the Odisha Lokayukta Act, 2014
Q 9. How can the complainant obtain a certified copy of the final order?
Ans. Certified copies are being provided on filing of an application on a plain
paper.
Q 10. How can I inspect a case record?
Ans. Inspection of case record can be done by making a plain paper application
to the Secretary, Lokayukta.
Q 11. When a complaint is not entitled to be entertained?
Ans. Any complaint which does not relate to allegation of corruption is not to be entertained.
Q 12. Can the Lokayukta entertain complaints/case againstprivate person, firm or organisation?
Ans. Yes, only when he is a conspirator or abettor to any corruption committed by any public servant or other person mentioned under the Act.
Q13. Is there a need for engaging a Counsel / Advocate in filing acomplaint?
Ans. There is no need to engage a counsel if the complainant is fully aware and able to explain himself/herself the facts and contents of the case.
Q14. Whether the appearance of the complainant is essential at the time of filing petition and thereafter?
Ans. Any person may send his complaints through post. For filing of a case, personal appearance is not required. But later on, at the stage of hearing appearance of the complainant may be called for, if needed.
Q15. What is the Address and FAX No. of the office?
Ans.
OFFICE OF THE LOKAYUKTA, ODISHA
B-2, GROUND FLOOR, TOSHALI BHAWAN,
SATYANAGARBHUBANESWAR-751007
WEBSITE: lokayuktaodisha.gov.in
E MAIL: lokayukta.odisha@gov.in
FAX No. 0674-2572629
