Lokpal of India

Source: PIB

Context: The Full Bench of the Lokpal of India adopted a new motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption”.

• The new motto replaces the older one as part of efforts to enhance institutional visibility and public outreach.

About Lokpal of India:

• What is it? The Lokpal of India is an independent statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

• The Lokpal of India is an independent statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

• Establishment: The Act came into effect on 16th January 2014, after decades of legislative deliberation and public demand for a central anti-corruption

• Headquarters: Located at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

• Motto: Old Motto: Ma Gridhah Kasyasvid Dhanam (Do not be greedy for anyone’s wealth) New Motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption”

• Old Motto: Ma Gridhah Kasyasvid Dhanam (Do not be greedy for anyone’s wealth)

• New Motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption”

• Composition: One Chairperson (former CJI or Supreme Court Judge). Up to 8 Members (4 Judicial + 4 non-judicial). Appointed by the President based on recommendations from a high-level Selection Committee.

• One Chairperson (former CJI or Supreme Court Judge).

• Up to 8 Members (4 Judicial + 4 non-judicial).

• Appointed by the President based on recommendations from a high-level Selection Committee.

• Jurisdiction: Can investigate complaints against: Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs Group A–D central government employees Officials of bodies partially/fully funded by the Government of India Individuals or entities receiving foreign contributions (above ₹1 crore/year) Functions & Powers: Inquire into corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Authorised to sanction prosecution, attach property, and recommend suspension or transfer of officials. Can summon witnesses, seize documents, and exercise civil court powers. Supervises CBI in cases it refers for investigation. Engages with other government agencies for inquiry and enforcement.

• Can investigate complaints against: Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs Group A–D central government employees Officials of bodies partially/fully funded by the Government of India Individuals or entities receiving foreign contributions (above ₹1 crore/year)

• Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs

• Group A–D central government employees

• Officials of bodies partially/fully funded by the Government of India

• Individuals or entities receiving foreign contributions (above ₹1 crore/year)

• Functions & Powers: Inquire into corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Authorised to sanction prosecution, attach property, and recommend suspension or transfer of officials. Can summon witnesses, seize documents, and exercise civil court powers. Supervises CBI in cases it refers for investigation. Engages with other government agencies for inquiry and enforcement.

• Inquire into corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

• Authorised to sanction prosecution, attach property, and recommend suspension or transfer of officials.

• Can summon witnesses, seize documents, and exercise civil court powers.

• Supervises CBI in cases it refers for investigation.

• Engages with other government agencies for inquiry and enforcement.