Lokpal of India: Foundation Day, Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013

Lokpal of India was established on January 16, 2014, under Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. It represented a major step toward eradicating corruption in public offices. Currently, the Shri Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar is the Chairperson of the office of the Lokpal.

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1st Foundation Day of Lokpal

What is Lokpal?

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First Lokpal of India

Present Lokpal of India

Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013

• The Lokpal was created at the Central level to deal with corruption allegations against Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other public officials.
• Lokayuktas were to be established at the State level for similar purposes, dealing with corruption in the state government.

• The Lokpal has jurisdiction over the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament , and officials of the Union Government (from Groups A, B, C, and D).
• It also covers public bodies funded by the government or receiving foreign contributions above a certain threshold.

• The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and up to 8 members, of whom at least 50% must be judicial members (former judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts).
• At least 50% of the members must come from marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women, or minorities.

• The President of India appoints the Chairperson and members based on recommendations from a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist.
• The term of office for the Chairperson and members is 5 years or until they reach the age of 70 , whichever is earlier.

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Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Act 2016

• Relaxed Timeline: The amendment removes the strict 30-day deadline for public servants to declare assets and liabilities, allowing them to submit declarations in a form and manner prescribed by the government.
• Extension for NGOs: Trustees and board members of NGOs receiving significant government or foreign funding now have an extended timeline to declare their assets.
• Selection Committee : In the absence of a recognized Leader of Opposition, the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha can now be a member of the selection committee for choosing the Lokpal.

Difference Between Lokpal and Lokayukta

Functions of Lokpal of India

• Investigation of Complaints: Lokpal can investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries, including the Prime Minister, Union ministers, MPs, and government officials.
• Supervision of CBI: Lokpal has the authority to supervise and direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in cases referred to it.
• Recommendation of Actions : It can recommend the transfer or suspension of public officials involved in corruption.
• Confiscation of Assets: Lokpal can confiscate properties acquired through corruption, even during ongoing investigations.
• Prevention of Evidence Destruction: It can issue directions to prevent the destruction of evidence during inquiries.
• Special Courts: Lokpal can recommend the creation of special courts to expedite the trial of corruption cases.
• Public Awareness: Lokpal educates the public about their rights and how to report corruption.