The State-level anti-corruption ombudsman that inquires into allegations of corruption and maladministration against public functionaries in a State.
- A statutory office created by individual State legislation; Maharashtra was the first State to establish a Lokayukta (in 1971), and Odisha was the first to pass a Lokayukta Act (in 1970, brought into force later).
- The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 mandated every State to set up a Lokayukta within one year, though the exact powers and structure vary by State.
- It investigates complaints of corruption and abuse of office against Ministers, legislators and public servants of the State.
- It is generally headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, depending on the State law.
- Its findings are usually recommendatory, reported to the State Government and the Legislature.
The State-level counterpart to the Lokpal, the Maharashtra-first fact and the 2013 Act mandate are standard anti-corruption and federalism facts.
The Lokayukta is a State institution created by State law (so its structure varies), not a branch of the central Lokpal; Maharashtra was first to establish it (1971), Odisha first to legislate (1970).
State anti-corruption ombudsman (Maharashtra first, 1971), now mandated in every State by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.