Lokpal in India – Powers CompositionQuestion in UPSC Prelims 2025
Q. Consider the following statements about Lokpal:
I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India.
II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, may be its Chairperson.
III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member.
IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A. III only
Explanation:
Statement I: Incorrect. Lokpal has jurisdiction over public servants posted both inside and outside India.
Statement II: Incorrect. While MPs/MLAs cannot be Chairperson or Member, the Chairperson need not be only a Chief Justice of India; even Supreme Court judges or eminent persons are eligible.
Statement III: Correct. As per Section 3 of the Lokpal Act, the minimum age to become a Member or Chairperson is 45.
Statement IV: Incorrect. According to Section 14 of the Act, the jurisdiction of the Lokpal extends to any person who is or has been the Prime Minister. However, there are exceptions here. There are certain cases in which Lokpal shall not inquire into any matter involving the Prime Minister. For example: relating to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space. Also, an inquiry can be initiated against the Prime Minister only if a full bench of the Lokpal, consisting of its Chairperson and all Members, considers the initiation of an inquiry and at least two-thirds of its Members approve of such an inquiry.
