SRINAGAR: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami on Tuesday introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Lokayukta (Anti-Corruption) Bill, 2025 in the Legislative Assembly, seeking to create an independent anti-corruption body to probe complaints against public functionaries, including legislators.
The proposed Bill aimed to replace the Jammu and Kashmir Accountability Commission Act, 2002, repealed after the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in 2019. As per the draft, the Lokayukta would serve as an independent authority with powers similar to the national Lokpal, enabling it to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration and recommend action against erring officials and representatives.
Explaining the intent behind the Bill, Tarigami said the move sought to reinforce accountability mechanisms and restore public confidence in governance. “The Lokayukta’s role is to inquire into allegations of corruption against public servants and address citizens’ grievances regarding administrative faults. Once appointed, a Lokayukta cannot be dismissed or transferred except through an impeachment motion by the Assembly,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of such institutions in a democracy, adding, “We may be a Union Territory, but transparency must not suffer. We must ensure there are credible institutions to hold legislators and officials accountable.”
Responding to the Bill, the Chief Minister said that the proposal could not be entertained under the present constitutional framework. “Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, provides for such bodies only in states. As a Union Territory, we fall under the jurisdiction of the Government of India. The Prevention of Corruption Act and agencies like the CBI and Enforcement Directorate already cover legislators and citizens alike,” he said, adding that the proposal could be reviewed once statehood is restored.
Tarigami, however, raised concerns over the lack of a clear timeline for the restoration of statehood and questioned how corruption within the legislature could be addressed in the absence of a dedicated mechanism. “Without an accountability system, how do we hold public servants and legislators answerable?” he asked.
Speaker of the House intervened, observing that existing laws provided avenues for redressal, and if they were inadequate, the government’s stated constraints must be acknowledged.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that while agencies such as the ACB and CBI are already in place, the establishment of a separate Lokayukta could be considered after statehood restoration. Following the debate, Tarigami eventually withdrew the Bill.
