Context
A Parliamentary Standing Committee has sought details on why the inquiry and prosecution wings of the Lokpal are not fully operational, even after the law has been in force for years; at present, prosecution work is largely handled by the CBI.
Lokpal – Basics
• Law: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 → in force (2014) → functional (2019)
• Nature: Statutory anti-corruption ombudsman at Union level
Composition and Eligibility
• Structure: Chairperson + up to 8 Members
• Reservation: 50% judicial + 50% from SC/ST/OBC/Women/Minorities
• Eligibility: Minimum age 45 years + integrity + expertise (law, governance, vigilance, finance)
Appointment
• Appointing Authority: President
• Selection Committee: PM + Speaker + LoP + CJI (or nominee) + Eminent Jurist
Jurisdiction
Covers corruption cases against:
PM (with restrictions) | Ministers | MPs | Central Govt officials (Group A–D) | PSUs | Autonomous bodies | NGOs receiving govt/foreign funds
