Lokpal & Lokayukta Act 2013 | Anti-Corruption Law | Indian Polity for UPSC Prelims & Mains 2022-2023

TL;DR

Lokpal is an anti-corruption body in India established under the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013, with the purpose of investigating allegations of corruption against public functionaries. It covers various public servants, except for the Armed Forces and Judiciary.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 🖐️ The Lokpal institution is inspired by the Ombudsman concept and plays a crucial role in combating corruption in India.
• 🇨🇫 The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 was enacted after years of failed attempts, influenced by public movements against corruption.
• 🇨🇫 Lokpal has wide jurisdiction, covering various public servants at the central level, but certain key areas and institutions are excluded from its purview.
• ❓ The appointment process and composition of the Lokpal involve a selection committee and specific qualifications for members.
• ✊ The Lokpal has powers of superintendence and control over the CBI, can recommend confiscation of assets, and has the authority to suspend or transfer public servants involved in corruption.
• 😘 However, the Lokpal faces challenges such as low awareness, complicated complaint filing processes, and a heavy reliance on investigation agencies like the CBI.
• ❓ The independence of the Lokpal is ensured through safeguards like the requirement of a two-thirds majority among its members to initiate an inquiry against the Prime Minister.
• 🇮🇳 There are ongoing debates and concerns over the effectiveness and implementation of the Lokpal institution in curbing corruption in India.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the history of the Lokpal institution in India?

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 was passed after eight failed attempts to establish an anti-corruption body. The idea emerged in 1963, and it gained momentum in 2011 with the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare.

Q: Who is covered under the Lokpal's jurisdiction?

The Lokpal covers various public servants at the central level, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government officials from Group A to D. However, it does not cover the Armed Forces, Coast Guards, or Judiciary.

Q: How are members of the Lokpal appointed?

Members of the Lokpal are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a selection committee. The committee consists of the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, and an eminent jurist.

Q: What are the limitations of the Lokpal?

Some limitations of the Lokpal include the inability to take up complaints older than seven years, jurisdictional restrictions on certain sensitive areas, like international relations and security, and the exclusion of the Judiciary from its purview. Lokpal also relies heavily on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigations.

Key Insights:

• The Lokpal institution is inspired by the Ombudsman concept and plays a crucial role in combating corruption in India.
• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 was enacted after years of failed attempts, influenced by public movements against corruption.
• Lokpal has wide jurisdiction, covering various public servants at the central level, but certain key areas and institutions are excluded from its purview.
• The appointment process and composition of the Lokpal involve a selection committee and specific qualifications for members.
• The Lokpal has powers of superintendence and control over the CBI, can recommend confiscation of assets, and has the authority to suspend or transfer public servants involved in corruption.
• However, the Lokpal faces challenges such as low awareness, complicated complaint filing processes, and a heavy reliance on investigation agencies like the CBI.
• The independence of the Lokpal is ensured through safeguards like the requirement of a two-thirds majority among its members to initiate an inquiry against the Prime Minister.
• There are ongoing debates and concerns over the effectiveness and implementation of the Lokpal institution in curbing corruption in India.
• Strong watchdog institutions like the Lokpal are essential to fight corruption and promote accountability, as corruption ultimately affects the poor and marginalized populations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Lokpal institution is inspired by the concept of Ombudsman, which originated in Sweden in 1713 to monitor government officials' conduct.

• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 was passed after several failed attempts to establish an anti-corruption body in India.

• Lokpal has jurisdiction over allegations of corruption against public servants at the central level, while Lokayuktas cover state government employees.