Page 47 – Lokpal & Lokayuktas
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
Lokpal (Union) & Lokayukta (States) are statutory bodies created under:
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
Their purpose: investigate corruption complaints against:
- Public servants
- Ministers
- Prime Minister (with restrictions)
- Structure of Lokpal
- Jurisdiction over PM
- Composition & selection committee
- Differences between Lokpal & CVC/CBI
Structure of Lokpal
Composition and appointments
Composition
- Chairperson + 8 Members
- At least 50% judicial members
- At least 50% from SC/ST/OBC/women/minorities
- Multi-member body
Selection Committee
- PM (Chairperson)
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Leader of Opposition
- CJI or nominee
- Eminent jurist
Chairperson Qualification
- Former CJI OR
- Former SC Judge OR
- Eminent person with impeccable integrity
- 35+ years of special knowledge
Tenure
- 5 years OR
- 70 years of age
- Whichever is earlier
- Not eligible for reappointment
Jurisdiction of Lokpal
Who can be investigated
✅ Under Lokpal Jurisdiction
- Prime Minister (with limitations)
- Union Ministers
- Members of Parliament
- Group A, B, C, D officers
- PSU officials (certain categories)
- Societies/Trusts receiving foreign donations
⚠️ PM Investigation Limits
- Cannot investigate matters related to:
- International relations
- External security
- Public order
- Atomic energy
- Space
- 2/3rd majority of full bench needed to begin inquiry
Lokayukta (State Level)
State-level anti-corruption ombudsman
🏛️ Lokayukta Features
- Similar institution for states
- Structure varies by state law
- Many states established Lokayuktas before 2013 Act
- Maharashtra (1971) was first state to create Lokayukta
- Investigates state government officers, CM (in some states)
Evolution of Lokpal
Long journey to reality
First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended Lokpal
8 Lokpal bills introduced but lapsed in Parliament
Massive public movement demanding strong Lokpal
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act finally enacted
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose became first Lokpal of India
Simulation Lab
Lokpal Complaint Process
🧪 Lokpal Action Simulator
Select a scenario to see Lokpal's action.
Select a scenario to see Lokpal's action.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Lokpal Act was passed in which year?
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. First Lokpal was appointed in 2019 (Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose).
2 Is Lokpal a constitutional body?
Lokpal is a statutory body created under Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, NOT constitutional. It has quasi-judicial powers.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Lokpal Act 2013: Chairperson + 8 members | 50% judicial | 50% reserved categories
- 2 Selection: PM + Speaker + LoP + CJI + Eminent jurist | Tenure: 5 years / 70 age
- 3 PM jurisdiction: Yes, but 2/3rd majority needed | Excludes security, foreign affairs