Ombudsman post vacant for 10 months; over 4,000 complaints pending

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More than 4,000 complaints, including several urgent cases, are pending as the post of Ombudsman for Kerala's Local Self-Government Department has remained vacant for the past 10 months.

The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints related to corruption, financial irregularities, and administrative lapses in local self-government institutions.

The post has been vacant since Justice P.T. Rajan passed away on August 31, 2025. Although the previous state government had recommended a candidate before completing its term, the Governor did not approve the appointment. According to reports, the new UDF government has also not yet taken a decision on appointing a new Ombudsman.

Meanwhile, complaints alleging financial irregularities and maladministration in local bodies continue to be submitted by email and post. One of the key features of the Ombudsman system is that filing a complaint is free of cost, and complainants can participate in hearings online from their homes. The Ombudsman holds the rank of a High Court judge and serves a three-year term.

Ombudsman system
The Ombudsman system was introduced on May 29, 2000, to investigate complaints of corruption, administrative failures, and irregularities in local self-government institutions and provide legal remedies. Initially, it functioned as a seven-member body, headed by a chairperson with the rank of a High Court judge. From the following year, it was converted into a single-member commission, with only the Ombudsman serving in the position.

Online sitting
Online sittings were introduced by Justice P.S. Gopinathan, who served as Ombudsman from 2021 to 2024. The initiative made it easier for complainants to present evidence without travelling.

"This is a system that truly benefits the public. A Kochi Corporation official had converted my land into a public road without my knowledge. The official was ordered to pay me Rs 25,000 as compensation a year ago, but I have still not received the amount because there is no Ombudsman."
- Babu Suresh, a complainant from Palluruthy.