History
This institution derives its origin from the Swedish word Ombudsman which means a person who acts as spokesman or representative of another person or persons. The organization of Ombudsman came into its existence in Sweden in the year 1713. The Ombudsman was appointed by the King of Sweden known as Chancellor of Justice who investigated complaints only against the Royal Officials. With the establishment of Democratic Constitution in the Year 1809, the Parliament appointed its own Ombudsman known as Justice Ombudsman to investigate complaints from citizens. With the passage of time, the Jurisdiction was enlarged to cover all agencies of the Government both - central and local. This organization of social Justice had become so popular in Sweden that it soon found it's roots in the political and social life of the country.
Finland, Norway, Denmark, Newzeland and United Kingdom adopted the principles of Ombudsman in the Years 1919, 1952, 1954, 1962 and 1967 respectively. Thereafter, Australia, Austria, Canada, Fiji, France, Guyana, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and several States of USA also adopted the principles of Ombudsman.
