Question

Ombudsman is primarily a system under which law?

• A. Contract law
• B. Criminal law
• C. Administrative law
• D. Property law

Hint:

Think of an Ombudsman as a "public watchdog" that looks into complaints against the government administration. This function of controlling the administration is the essence of Administrative Law.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Define "Ombudsman". An Ombudsman is an independent official who investigates complaints from the public against government bodies or public authorities. The role is to provide a check on the administration and offer redress for grievances caused by "maladministration". Examples in India include the Lokpal and Lokayuktas.

Step 2: Define "Administrative Law". Administrative law is the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. It deals with the powers and procedures of government bodies and provides for judicial review of their actions.

Step 3: Connect Ombudsman to Administrative Law. The primary function of an Ombudsman – to investigate and remedy public grievances against the administration – is a core mechanism of administrative justice. It is a tool to ensure that government bodies act fairly and lawfully. Therefore, the Ombudsman system is a key institution within the field of Administrative Law.