MUMBAI, Dec. 12 -- The Maharashtra State Lokayukta Amendment Bill, 2025, was passed by both houses of the state legislature on Thursday, after incorporating three minor amendments suggested by the central government. The new legislation empowers an anti-corruption ombudsman to act against the chief minister, ministers and public servants on corruption charges, and will take effect after it is approved by the governor. Introducing the Bill in the assembly on Thursday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the centre had recommended three modifications to the Lokayukta Bill, 2022, originally passed in the assembly in December 2022. These changes include: updating the names of three criminal laws recently renamed by the centre; revising the appointment provisions to ensure that the incumbent Lokayukta continues until a successor is appointed; and bringing state-appointed officers in statutory bodies such as MahaRera under the Lokayukta's ambit. The Bill mandates a two-thirds majority in the assembly to initiate an inquiry against the CM, thereby strengthening transparency. Fadnavis said the second amendment to the Bill was to update the names of three criminal laws, IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act, renamed by the central government last year. The third amendment relates to the scope of action against officers and heads of authorities such as MahaRera. "There was confusion on whether the Maharashtra Lokayukta has jurisdiction over such entities, which have come into force under central laws. Since the appointments of these authorities are made by the state, we have brought them under the purview of the Lokayukta through an amendment," Fadnavis said. The Bill brings the CM and council of ministers under the Lokayukta's purview in corruption investigations. It mandates a two-thirds vote in the assembly for an investigation into a CM, and the governor's approval for ministers. An investigation against IAS officers requires the CM's approval and chief secretary's view. The Bill also establishes an anti-corruption ombudsman with a chairperson who can be a former Supreme Court or a high court judge, a chairperson and four members. It empowers the Lokayukta to order investigations and refer cases to special courts for speedy trials, making Maharashtra the first state with such powers....