The institution of Lokpal is a cornerstone of India’s anti-corruption framework, established to act as the “People’s Ombudsman.”
1. Institutional Profile
- Nature: It is a statutory body (not constitutional) established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
- Current Status (Dec 2025): The current Chairperson of the Lokpal of India is Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar (former Supreme Court judge), who assumed office in early 2024.
- Origin: The concept originated in Sweden (1809). In India, the term was coined by Dr. L. M. Singhvi in 1963. The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) formally recommended it in 1966.
2. Composition & Selection
The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of 8 Members.
- Member Ratio: 50% must be Judicial Members (former SC Judge or Chief Justice of HC).
- Social Diversity: At least 50% of members must belong to SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women.
- Selection Committee: The President appoints the Lokpal based on the recommendations of a High-Powered Committee:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Leader of Opposition (or Leader of the Single Largest Opposition Party, per the 2016 Amendment)
- Chief Justice of India (or a SC Judge nominated by him/her)
- One Eminent Jurist (nominated by the President)
3. Jurisdiction & Powers
- The Prime Minister: The PM is within Lokpal’s purview, but with critical exceptions: allegations related to International Relations, External/Internal Security, Public Order, Atomic Energy, and Space.
- Safeguard: Any inquiry against the PM requires a 2/3rd majority of the full Lokpal bench.
- Public Servants: Includes Union Ministers, MPs, and all central government employees (Groups A, B, C, and D).
- NGOs: Bodies receiving foreign contributions above ₹10 Lakh per year (under FCRA) are also covered.
- Investigative Super-power: Lokpal has powers of superintendence and direction over any investigative agency, including the CBI, for cases referred by it. The investigating officer of such a case cannot be transferred without Lokpal’s approval.
4. Key Statutory Limitations
- No Suo Motu Power: The Lokpal cannot initiate an investigation on its own; it requires a formal complaint.
- Limitation Period: Complaints must be filed within 7 years of the alleged offence.
- Anonymous Complaints: These are not allowed.
- Civil Court Powers: During preliminary inquiries, the Lokpal’s Inquiry Wing has the powers of a Civil Court.
