Lok Ayukta grievance jurisdiction cannot issue binding monetary relief for delayed retiral benefits without statutory authority.

Under the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999, grievance jurisdiction is limited to investigation and recommendation, and does not extend to binding adjudication of civil liability or monetary relief. Even where delay in retiral benefits is found, the Lok Ayukta cannot direct payment of interest unless a statutory or adjudicatory basis exists; the limited consequences under Section 14 and the contempt power under Section 19 do not expand that jurisdiction. The impugned order awarding interest was therefore unsustainable, and the matter was remitted for disposal under the proper statutory framework.

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Issues: (i) Whether, in a complaint alleging delay in disbursement of retiral benefits, the Lok Ayukta had jurisdiction to pass a binding order directing payment of interest and other monetary reliefs.

Analysis: The statutory scheme of the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999 distinguishes between complaints of "grievance" and complaints of "allegation". In grievance matters, the Lok Ayukta is empowered to investigate and make recommendations, and not to adjudicate disputes or issue executable directions. The Act does not confer a general power to determine civil liability or award interest merely because a delay is found. The limited coercive consequences under Section 14 and the contempt power under Section 19 operate only within their own statutory field and do not convert the grievance jurisdiction into an adjudicatory one. An award of interest, even on equitable considerations, requires a statutory or adjudicatory foundation that is absent in grievance proceedings under the Act.

Conclusion: The Lok Ayukta had no jurisdiction to issue a binding direction awarding interest on the delayed retiral benefits in the grievance complaint; the impugned order was unsustainable.

Final Conclusion: The writ petition succeeded, the impugned order of the Lok Ayukta was set aside, and the complaint was sent back for disposal in accordance with law under the proper statutory framework.

Ratio Decidendi: Under the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999, the Lok Ayukta's power in grievance complaints is confined to investigation and recommendation, except for the limited statutory consequences attached to Section 14 and the ancillary contempt power, and it cannot pass binding adjudicatory orders granting monetary relief such as interest.

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