Why in the News?
Recently, the former SC judge A.M. Khanwilkar has been appointed as Lokpal chairperson.
More details on the news:
- The Lokpal has been working without its regular Chief after Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose completed his term on May 27, 2022. Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, a judicial member of the Lokpal, is currently the acting chairperson.
- Former High Court judges Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Sanjay Yadav and Ritu Raj Awasthi have been appointed as judicial members of the Lokpal.
About Lokpal:
- The Lokpal is established up under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries.
- Former Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose assumed office as the first Lokpal chairperson in March 2019.
- India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The establishment of Lokpal reflects the government’s commitment to clean and responsive governance by combating corruption.
Composition of Lokpal:
- The Lokpal consists of a chairperson and eight members – four judicial and four non-judicial.
- Appointed by the President of India for a 5-year term or until they reach 70 years of age, whichever comes first.
- Appointment Process: The President appoints the Chairperson and Members based on recommendations from a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of the People, Leader of Opposition in the House of the People, Chief Justice of India or a nominated Supreme Court Judge, and an eminent jurist nominated by the President.
Lokpal’s Jurisdiction:
- The Lokpal investigates corruption allegations against current or former Prime Ministers, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials in Groups A, B, C, and D of the Union Government.
- It extends to chairpersons, members, officers, and directors of entities established by an Act of Parliament or funded by the Union or State government.
- The jurisdiction includes societies, trusts, or bodies receiving foreign contributions exceeding ₹10 lakh (approximately US$14,300 as of 2019)
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