Lokpal of India Celebrates 1st Foundation Day

Syllabus: GS2/Polity; Statutory Bodies

Context

• On January 16, 2025, the Lokpal of India celebrated its Foundation Day, marking 11 years since its inception on January 16, 2014, under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Historical Background

• The journey of Lokpal stems from:
  • First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966): Proposed a two-tier system with Lokpal at the Union level and Lokayuktas at the State level.
  • Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Passed to establish statutory bodies to combat corruption in public offices.
  • Inception: Lokpal was officially constituted on January 16, 2014, with its first Chairperson, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh, appointed in 2019.
• India is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2005), reflecting its commitment to combating corruption.

Lokpal: Mandate & Performance

• Legal Authority: The Lokpal derives its authority from the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which mandates it to:
  • Investigate corruption allegations against public officials, including:
    • Prime Minister (with safeguards related to national security, public order, etc.).
    • Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and all public servants.
    • Entities receiving foreign contributions above ₹10 lakh.
    • Exercise supervisory powers over CBI, ensuring accountability during investigations.
• Composition: 
  • Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court Judge, or an eminent person with integrity and expertise.
  • Members: Up to 8 members, with at least 50% being judicial members and 50% from underrepresented groups (SC/ST/OBC, minorities, and women).
• Appointment and Tenure:
  • Appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a Selection Committee (PM as chairman, Speaker of LS, Leader of Opposition of LS, CJI or eminent jurist).
  • Term: 5 years or until the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
• Achievements:
  • Establishment of a prosecution wing to streamline corruption cases.
  • Enhanced oversight of public servants and central government-funded entities.
  • Promoted transparency and accountability through technology-driven processes.

Key Challenges Ahead of Lokpal

• Delays in Appointments and Staffing: The first Lokpal, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh, was appointed in March 2019, six years after the Act was passed.
  • The current Lokpal, Justice (retd) A.M. Khanwilkar, was appointed in March 2024. 
  • The Lokpal has faced issues related to staffing and the appointment of key positions such as the Director of Inquiry and Director of Prosecution.
• Investigations and Prosecutions: Nearly 90% of complaints in the last five years were rejected due to incorrect formats or other procedural issues.
• Coordination with Agencies: The Lokpal relies on various investigative agencies for conducting probes.
  • Ensuring seamless cooperation and avoiding bureaucratic bottlenecks remain critical hurdles.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Infrastructure: Enhancing staffing, budgetary allocations, and technological support will enable faster and more thorough investigations.
• Improved Coordination: Strengthening collaboration with other anti-corruption agencies, such as the CBI, can expedite case resolution.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the Lokpal’s role, jurisdiction, and procedures can encourage more citizens to come forward with complaints.
• Transparency and Accountability: Regular public disclosures about ongoing investigations, within legal limits, can bolster trust in the institution.

Source: TH