Appointment to Lokayukta
Justice R. Hemalatha in Tamil Nadu Lokayukta: The government of Tamil Nadu recently appointed Justice R. Hemalatha, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, as a judicial member of the state’s Lokayukta. This move adds a senior judicial presence to the anti-corruption body. The appointment aligns with the requirement that Lokayukta benches include judicial members.
Her role will involve adjudicating complaints against public servants and government officials accused of maladministration, misuse of power, or corruption.
This development reflects the state’s commitment to strengthen oversight of public functions and deliver effective grievance redressal.
Role of Lokayukta
The Tamil Nadu Lokayukta is the statutory body responsible for investigating complaints against ministers, legislators, and government officials relating to corruption and misuse of power. Its jurisdiction covers the entire state.
Under the rules, Lokayukta must include judicial members — people who have served as High Court judges or those with long judicial experience. The presence of a retired High Court judge like Justice Hemalatha ensures that investigations have judicial gravitas and adherence to due process.
Lokayukta proceedings are generally conducted in-camera to protect confidentiality of complainants and respondents.
Background of Tamil Nadu Lokayukta
Static GK fact: The concept of “Lokayukta” traces its roots to the recommendation made by the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in 1966. The ARC proposed a state-level ombudsman to address citizens’ grievances against government administration.
Accordingly, multiple Indian states began enacting Lokayukta laws. Static GK fact: The first state to formally establish Lokayukta was Maharashtra under the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act, 1971.
For Tamil Nadu, the government passed the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Act, 2018, and the body was constituted for the first time in 2019. The Act specifies that Lokayukta shall have a Chairperson and a bench of judicial and non-judicial members.
With the new appointment of Justice Hemalatha, the judicial bench is being reinforced.
Significance of the Appointment
The inclusion of a respected former High Court judge in the Lokayukta bench has multiple implications:
- It brings judicial experience and legal insight, which can strengthen investigations into complex cases involving public officials.
- It enhances the credibility and impartiality of the institution, important for public trust.
- It serves as a deterrent against misuse of power, given the enhanced chances of fair and thorough inquiry.
Moreover, regular appointments of qualified judicial members over time can institutionalise transparency and accountability in state administration.
What to Watch
Monitoring this appointment’s impact will involve watching how quickly Lokayukta addresses pending complaints and whether new credible complaints are filed.
The efficiency of the Lokayukta also depends on support staff, investigative machinery, and willingness among citizens to come forward.
The success of this appointment can set a precedent for future judicial member selections — raising standards of governance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Justice R. Hemalatha in Tamil Nadu Lokayukta:
| Topic | Detail |
| Institution | Tamil Nadu Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) |
| Recent appointment | Justice R. Hemalatha — Judicial Member |
| Role of appointee | Investigate complaints against public servants, ensure legal scrutiny |
| Legal basis | Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Act, 2018 + Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 |
| Composition requirement | Bench must include judicial members (former High Court judges or equivalent) |
| Significance | Adds judicial experience, boosts credibility and impartiality |
| Historical origin of Lokayukta | Recommended by the 1966 Administrative Reforms Commission |
| First Indian Lokayukta | Maharashtra, established 1971 |
