Polity & Governance Current Affairs Analysis
Context:
On January 16, 2025, the Lokpal of India celebrated its first Foundation Day, marking the establishment of the Lokpal institution, which was created after the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
The Lokpal was set up to address corruption in public offices, with the Lokpal at the Union level and Lokayuktas at the state level.
Key Information on the Lokpal and Lokayukta:
Key Provisions:
ØIt has powers tosuperintendence over and to give direction to the CBI.
ØIf it has referred a case to the CBI, theinvestigating officer in such a case cannot be transferred without the approval of Lokpal.
ØPowers to authorize CBI for search and seizureoperations connected to such cases.
ØTheInquiry Wing of the Lokpalhas been vested with thepowers of a civil court.
ØLokpal haspowers of confiscation of assets, proceeds, receipts, and benefitsarisen orprocured by means of corruptionin special circumstances.
ØLokpal has the power torecommend the transfer or suspension of public servantsconnected with the allegation of corruption.
ØLokpal has the power togive directions to prevent the destruction of recordsduring the preliminary inquiry.
ØIn terms of Section 48 of the said Act, the Lokpal is required to present annually to the President a reporton the work done by it,which iscaused to belaid in both the Houses of the Parliament
Challenges: The Lokpal faces several challenges, including a seven-year limit for accepting complaints (with complaints older than seven years not being entertained), delays in appointments, and a high rejection rate of complaints (nearly 90% over the past five years) due to improper formats.