15[xxx] If after investigation into any complaint, the Lok Ayukta or an Upa-Lok Ayukta is satisfied that the public servant has committed any criminal offence and that he should be prosecuted in a court of law for such offence, then, he may pass an order to that effect and initiate prosecution of the public servant concerned, if there is no necessity for prior sanction; and, if prior sanction of any authority is required, with the sanction of the appropriate authority.
Explanation: – For the purpose of this section,-
(a) ‘investigation’ means the collection of evidence regarding the correctness or otherwise of the allegation or grievance;
14 substituted by Act 7 of 2024 (w.e.f. 2nd March, 2024) 15 omitted by Act 7 of 2024 (w.e.f. 7th February, 2022) 17
(b) ‘initiation of prosecution’ means the filing of a report or a complaint before a court of competent jurisdiction to take cognisance of an offence.