Why is it in the news?
→ Lokpal observed Foundation Day on 16 January marking enforcement of Section 3 of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
→ Renewed focus on anti-corruption institutional framework.
Category: Polity
Important Points
- Lokpal formally established on 16 January 2014 under Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
- Idea first mooted in 1963; recommended by First ARC in 1966.
- India ratified UNCAC in 2011, leading to Lokpal Act, 2013.
- Lokpal consists of Chairperson + up to 8 Members.
- At least 50% Judicial Members.
- Mandatory 50% representation from SC/ST/OBC/minorities/women.
- Tenure: 5 years or age 70, whichever earlier.
- Chairperson must be a former/serving CJI or Supreme Court Judge.
- Appointed by the President on recommendation of the Selection Committee (PM, Speaker, LoP, CJI/nominee, eminent jurist).
- Jurisdiction covers PM (with exclusions), Union Ministers, MPs, Group A–D Central Govt officials, and funded entities.
- Powers include supervision over CBI probes, civil court powers, search & seizure, prosecution recommendation.
- Complaints can be filed by individuals, NGOs, companies, LLPs and even foreign nationals.
- Complaints relate to Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; limitation period 7 years.
- Lokpal Act amended in 2016 to include leader of single largest opposition party in Selection Committee if no recognised LoP.