Lokpal of India
Lokpal
Summary
Lokpal of India was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 (Act No. 1 of 2014) as a statutory multi-member body to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries. The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and up to eight Members (half of whom must be judicial members), appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister (Chair), Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice, and an eminent jurist. The Chairperson and Members serve for a single non-renewable 5-year term or until age 70, whichever is earlier, and may be removed only through an impeachment-like process involving a Supreme Court inquiry and an address by Parliament. The Lokpal has powers of a civil court including the ability to compel attendance of witnesses and production of documents. The first Lokpal was appointed in March 2019. Annual reports are submitted to the President and laid before Parliament.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Independent commission |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | Impeachment only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
- Citation
- Act No. 1 of 2014 (received Presidential assent 1 January 2014)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Public functionaries of the Union government including the Prime Minister (with conditions), Union ministers, Members of Parliament, Group A/B/C/D officers of the Union, and officers of central government bodies; receives and investigates corruption complaints