Karnataka Lokayukta was established in 1984.
Quick fact: The Karnataka Lokayukta—Karnataka’s state ombudsman—has been up and running since 1984. Come 2026, it’s still headquartered in Bengaluru’s MS Building on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Road, with Justice P. Vishwanath Shetty holding the top post since January 28, 2017. You’ll find it at roughly 12.9716° N, 77.5946° E.
Geographic Context
The Karnataka Lokayukta is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital.
Bengaluru isn’t just Karnataka’s capital—it’s the state’s nerve center for anti-corruption oversight. The Lokayukta sits right in the heart of this global tech hub, steps away from government offices, courts, and public institutions. That proximity makes it easier to field complaints and chase down corruption cases within the state machinery. Throw in Karnataka’s solid infrastructure and transport links, and you’ve got a pretty strategic spot for an anti-graft watchdog.
Key Details
Here are the essentials: established in 1984, current Lokayukta is Justice P. Vishwanath Shetty (since Jan 28, 2017), HQ at MS Building, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Road, Bengaluru.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 1984 |
| Current Lokayukta | Justice P. Vishwanath Shetty (since January 28, 2017) |
| Headquarters | MS Building, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Karnataka and its employees |
| Appointment Authority | Governor of Karnataka |
| First Lokayukta | Hon'ble Mr. Justice A.D. Koshal (appointed January 15, 1986) |
Interesting Background
The Lokayukta idea came from Maharashtra’s 1971 model, and Karnataka followed in 1984.
Think of the Lokayukta as part of India’s push for cleaner, more accountable government. Maharashtra blazed the trail in 1971, and Karnataka hopped on board in 1984. This independent body investigates corruption allegations and grievances about government services. Over the decades, Karnataka’s Lokayukta has uncovered some blockbuster scandals, which has helped restore public faith in how the state is run. The Lokayukta Act of 2013 gave the whole anti-corruption framework a serious upgrade.
Here’s the thing: the Governor of Karnataka appoints both the Lokayukta and the Upalokayuktas (the deputies). That distance from the executive branch is deliberate—it keeps the Lokayukta free from political pressure. Justice P. Vishwanath Shetty has been at the helm since 2017, continuing a long tradition of integrity in Karnataka’s administration.
Practical Information
You can visit the Bengaluru HQ, check lokayukta.kar.nic.in for job openings, or file a complaint in person or online.
Want to work with the Lokayukta? Keep an eye on lokayukta.kar.nic.in—that’s where Group C and D vacancies pop up. As of 2026, the website is still the main way to apply.
Need to file a complaint or just ask a question? The Bengaluru office is easy to reach by public transport and sits near key landmarks like government buildings and courts. The Lokayukta also offers online tools and helplines to keep the lines of communication open, because transparency matters.
