Lokpal

Background

  • A Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or ombudsman who represents the public interest. This concept is borrowed from Sweden.
  • An ombudsman is an official who is charged with representing the interests of public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or violation of rights. He is usually appointed by the government or by parliament but, with a certain degree of independence.
  • The Lokpal has jurisdiction over all Members of Parliament and central government employees in cases of corruption.
  • The concept of a constitutional amendment in India has been proposed many times starting in the early 1960s. But the bills were never passed till many years.
  • The Lokpal bill was finally enacted in India on 18 December 2013 as “The Lokpal and Lokayukts Act, 2013”. It seeks to provide for the establishment of the institution of ‘Lokpal’ for the Union and ‘Lokayukta’ for states to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries (including Prime Minister, ministers, MPs, Group A, B, C, D officials of the Central Government) and for matters connecting them.
  • The noble idea of Lokpal and Lokayukta has become a political issue that is one of the reasons it has been hanging since such a long time. The term“Lokpal” was coined by Dr. L.M.Singhvi in 1963.
  • Despite the Act being passed in 2013, and intervention of Supreme Court as well, a Lokpal has not been established till date. It was passed in 2013 after civil society agitations.
Recently Retired Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose is the country’s first Lokpal, or the anti-corruption ombudsman. His appointment has been cleared by President Ram Nath Kovind.
Justice Ghose’s name was finalised and recommended by the Selection Committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The selection was made weeks after the February-end deadline set by the Supreme Court.

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

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