Lokpal of India: Complaints Fall, Powers and Structure
Why in the news
The ombudsman faces questions over relevance and accountability after a steep complaint decline and a BMW purchase tender.
About the Lokpal
- Statutory anti-corruption body whose roots lie in the 2011 India Against Corruption movement of Anna Hazare.
- Act in force from 16 January 2014; first Lokpal appointed March 2019.
- Chairperson in 2025: Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, a former Supreme Court judge.
Appointment
- The President appoints on advice of a committee: Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist.
Powers
- Probes offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 involving the PM, Union Ministers, MPs, Group A–D staff and funded organisations.
- Supervises the CBI in referred matters.
- Can sanction prosecution, attach assets, recommend suspension or transfer.
- Civil-court-like powers to summon witnesses and demand records.
Exam angle
- Parent Act: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
- First chair appointed: March 2019.