The terms of the state ombudsman, Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta, are set to be reduced to five years from the present eight years. A bill to this effect – Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – was introduced in the UP assembly on Friday.

The amendment made under this bill shall not apply to the incumbent Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta, appointed before the date of commencement of the amended Act.

The Lokayukta Act was earlier amended in 2012 by the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government to increase the tenure of the then Lokayukta Justice (Retired) NK Mehrotra.

The Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta Act, 1975 was enacted to make provision for the appointment and functions of certain authorities for the investigation of grievances and allegations against ministers, legislators and other public servants in certain cases and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

Initially, the term of office of Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta was five years. Due to certain special circumstances and in the interest of work, the term of office of Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas was increased to eight years vide the Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta and Up-Lokayukta (Amendment) Act, 2012.

After due consideration of the currently fixed tenure of Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas it was found that the tenure of eight years was excessive from the point of view of physical and mental health. It was also noted that the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides for the tenure of Lokpal to be five years or the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

In view of the above, it has been decided to amend Section 5 of the aforesaid Act to provide that every person appointed as Lokayukta or Up-Lokayukta shall hold office for a term of five years or up to the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.