ombudsman

The ombudsman is an institution that began in Sweden in 1809: an independent officer, usually appointed by the legislature, who receives complaints from citizens against public authorities and investigates them. He generally recommends action rather than issuing binding orders, relying on publicity and reports.

In India the idea is represented by the Lokpal at the Centre under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, and the Lokayuktas in the States (Karnataka's under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984). Sector-specific ombudsmen also exist, such as the banking and insurance ombudsmen.

Example

The complaint against the bank's refusal to reverse a fraudulent debit was taken to the banking ombudsman under the RBI scheme.

In Indian law

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
• Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984

See also

lokayukta · administrative tribunal · rule of law

Read more in the study notes

• Corruption, maladministration and the ombudsman: Lokpal and Lokayukta (Administrative Law)
• Administrative law: meaning, nature, scope, growth and sources (Administrative Law)
• Central Vigilance Commission, parliamentary committees and commissions of inquiry (Administrative Law)
• Bank: definition, kinds of banks and their functions (Banking Law)
• The central bank and the Reserve Bank of India: evolution, organisation and functions (Banking Law)
• Duties of banker and customer: honouring cheques and secrecy of accounts (Banking Law)