Details About The Government Lok Pal Bill

The Government has introduced a Lokpal Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The following are the salient features of it:-

The government has proposed to establish a independent institution called lokpal which will be at central level and has decided to appoint lokayukta in every state in which it is not yet appointed. The Lokpal will have superintendence and can order a preliminary inquiry in respect of any complaint filed under any law for the prevention of corruption.

Now lets discuss about the structure of the Lokpal

It will consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members of which 50% shall be from judicial circles. It will have a separate inquiry wing for conducting inquiry and a separate prosecution wing. 50% of the members shall be from Schedule Cast, Schedule Tribe, minorities and women. The primary officers of the Lokpal will include a secretary, Director of prosecution, Director of Inquiry and other officers which will help the lokpal in investigation of corruption matters.

Now lets have a glance on process of selection

The selection of a chairperson and the members will be through a selection committee which will consist of a prime minister, Lok Sabha speaker, Leader of Oppostion, Chief Justice Of India or a sitting supreme court judge nominated by a Chief Justice Of India. An eminent jurist shall be selected by the President Of India. A search committee shall assist the selection committee in process of selection. 50% of the members from search committee shall be from SC,ST,OBC, minorities and women.

Jurisdiction of the Lokpal Bill

Prime minister has been brought under Lokpal with certain exemptions and the Lokpal can order inquiry against the Prime Minister. Any decision of the Lokpal to iniate inquiry against the prime minister will be taken only when it is approved by the full bench with a 3/4th majority and the proceeding will be recorded in camera. Every Category of employees ranging from A,B,C and D are under the purview of the Lokpal. The lokpal will refer the complaints to Central Vigilance Commission who will send it's report back to Lokapl in respect of the class A and B employees for further decision and in respect of class C and D employees the CVC will proceed further to take action against them according to the law. Lokpal will not be able to iniate inquiries on it's own.

Other significant features of the bill

There is a provision of confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means. No proper sanction shall be required for launching prosecution in cases inquired by Lokpal. Lokpal is a final appellate authority on all decisions by public authorities relating to provision public services and readdressal grievances containing finding of corruption. Lokapal will have power of superintendence over any investigation agency including CBI in respect of cases referred to them.


The government bill is laid in the parliament and is planning to pass it after a healthy discussion within the parliament.


Src.Times Of India