Public Grievence and Coplaints

1. Ombudsman for Local Self Government Institutions

Role and Responsibilities: The primary duty of the Ombudsman for Local Self Government Institutions is to legally investigate and take necessary action on complaints regarding corruption, maladministration, or irregularities committed during the execution of administrative duties by governing body members (including the President), officials, directly or indirectly appointed staff, and transferred employees of local self-government institutions.

Procedure for Filing Complaints:

  • Who Can Apply: Any individual can file a complaint directly or via registered/ordinary post to the Secretary of the Ombudsman without needing an intermediary.
  • Required Documents:
    • Complaint written on plain paper.
    • Duly filled Form-A affixed with a ₹10 court fee stamp.
    • Copies of the complaint corresponding to the number of respondents + 2 additional copies.
  • Compliance Rules: Complaints that do not comply with the provisions of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Ombudsman (Inquiry and Investigation of Complaints and Conditions of Service) Rules will not be considered.

Key Features and Sittings:

  • Fees: Except for the ₹10 court fee stamp, no other fees are charged to the parties.
  • Appearance: Any person related to the case can appear directly and fearlessly before the Ombudsman to present their arguments and seek redressal without requiring an advocate or third-party assistance.
  • Sitting Locations: Regular sittings are held at the main office in Thiruvananthapuram as well as at district headquarters in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.

Address:

Ombudsman for Local Self Government Institutions,

Saphalyam Complex (4th Floor, TRIDA Building),

University P.O., Thiruvananthapuram.

2. Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions

Role and Authority: The Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions is tasked with considering and deciding on appeals and revision petitions filed against decisions made by local self-government institutions. Additionally, the Tribunal is empowered to provide opinions on references made by the Government regarding the legal validity or sustainability of decisions taken by local self-government bodies.

Designated Authority: A Judicial Officer holding the rank of a District Judge is appointed as the Tribunal.

Time Limit for Filing Petitions:

  • General Limit: Petitions must be filed in Form-C within 30 days from the date of the order being challenged.
  • Delayed Decisions: If an appeal filed with a local self-government institution is not decided within 60 days, a petition can be submitted to the Tribunal within 90 days.

Submission Procedure & Fee Structure:

  • Submission Mode: Petitions can be submitted directly before the Tribunal or sent via registered post.
  • Required Copies: Certified copies of the petition and related documents, along with certified copies matching the number of opposite parties in the petition, must be provided.
  • Fees:
    • A fee of ₹50 payable via Demand Draft (DD) encashable at Thiruvananthapuram in favor of the Tribunal office.
    • A ₹50 Legal Benefit Fund stamp must be affixed to the petition.

Address:

Secretary, Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions,

New Court Complex, Vanchiyoor,

Thiruvananthapuram - 695 034.