The Lokpal of India received 42,380 complaints against public servants in the financial year 2025-26, the highest since the institution became operational in 2019, according to the anti-corruption ombudsman's annual report tabled in Parliament.

The surge — a 34 per cent increase from the previous year — is attributed partly to improved public awareness and a streamlined digital complaints portal that allows citizens to file grievances without appearing in person.

However, the report acknowledges significant procedural bottlenecks: only 1,240 complaints have been forwarded to investigation agencies for formal inquiry, and only 89 cases have resulted in departmental proceedings or criminal referrals. The gap between complaints received and cases investigated has drawn criticism from civil society groups.

The Lokpal, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, said the institution was working within its jurisdictional mandate and had requested additional investigative staff from the government. A parliamentary standing committee has recommended expanding the Lokpal's jurisdiction to include state-level officials — a change that would require constitutional amendment.