Lokpal of India
Type: Statutory
Law: Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act 2013
Purpose: Ensure probity in public life by inquiring into corruption of high public functionaries
Composition
• Chairperson + up to 8 Members
• 50% judicial members
• 50% from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women
Chairperson Eligibility
• Former CJI
• Supreme Court Judge
• Eminent person
Appointment (Selection Committee)
• Prime Minister (Chair)
• Speaker of Lok Sabha
• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha / largest opposition leader
• CJI or nominee
• Eminent jurist
Jurisdiction
• Prime Minister (with safeguards)
• Union Ministers
• MPs
• Public servants
Powers
• Inquiry / investigation
• Grant or refuse sanction for prosecution (CBI)
Safeguards for Prime Minister
• Inquiry only on corruption allegations
• Full Lokpal bench approval required
• National security, foreign relations, public order excluded
• Frivolous / vague complaints barred
Parliamentary & Legislative Privileges
Articles: 105 (Parliament), 194 (State Legislatures), 198 (Legislative Councils via 194)
• Article 105(1) / 194(1): Freedom of speech inside House
• Article 105(2) / 194(2): No court proceedings for speech or vote
• Article 105(3) / 194(3): Other privileges by law or convention (functional, not personal)
Civil-case protection
• No arrest in civil cases during session + 40 days before & after
• Source: Article 105(3) / 194(3) + Section 135A, CPC
Not protected
• Criminal cases
• Corruption
• Bribery
• Preventive detention
