Kolkata, New Delhi, INDIA. New York, USA.
Business To Business, Srinagar, 28 October 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified on Tuesday that the Union territory cannot appoint a Lokayukta, as the authority to establish such anti-corruption agencies lies exclusively with states.
This response came after CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami introduced a private members’ Bill in the Assembly to set up a Lokayukta in Jammu and Kashmir to investigate corruption allegations against public officials.
However, Omar Abdullah informed the House that according to Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the establishment of anti-corruption agencies is mandated for each state, and thus, the Union territory does not have the power to create one.