Lokpal of India
Syllabus: Constitutional Bodies (UPSC GS II)
Source: The Hindu
Context
The Lokpal of India, the country’s top anti-corruption ombudsman, is facing scrutiny after a steep decline in public complaints — from 2,469 in 2022–23 to only 233 in 2025–26. This fall comes even as the body faced criticism for a tender to procure seven BMW cars, raising questions about its ethics and accountability.
About Lokpal
What is it?
The Lokpal of India is an independent statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. It investigates allegations of corruption against top public officials, including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior government officers.
Background
- The idea of a Lokpal gained momentum after the India Against Corruption (2011) movement led by Anna Hazare.
- The Act came into force on 16 January 2014, marking the creation of a national-level ombudsman after decades of demand.
- The first Lokpal was appointed in March 2019, a landmark in strengthening India’s anti-corruption framework.
Composition
- Chairperson: Justice A.M. Khanwilkar (former Supreme Court Judge, as of 2025).
- Members: 7 members – 4 judicial and 3 non-judicial.
- Appointment: By the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising:
- Prime Minister
- Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Leader of Opposition
- Chief Justice of India
- An eminent jurist
Mandate
Lokpal can inquire into and investigate corruption cases involving:
- Prime Minister (with some exceptions)
- Union Ministers
- Members of Parliament
- Senior Government Officials
- Bodies or institutions receiving government aid or funding
Functions and Powers
- Inquiry & Investigation: Independent authority to probe corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
- Jurisdiction: Covers top public functionaries and government-funded bodies.
- Supervisory Role: Can direct and oversee CBI investigations in referred cases.
- Prosecution Powers: Can grant prosecution sanction, order asset attachment, and recommend suspension or disciplinary action.
- Quasi-Judicial Powers: Can summon witnesses, examine evidence, and demand documents — like a civil court.
Fading Engagement
Complaints to the Lokpal have drastically reduced over the years, with nearly 90% of total complaints filed in its early years (2019–22). This shows waning public trust and limited awareness.
| Year | Complaints Registered | Preliminary Inquiry Ordered | Prosecution Sanction Granted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | 1,427 | 6 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | 110 | 28 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | 2,258 | 53 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | 2,469 | 43 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | 166 | 32 | 3 |
| 2024–25 | 292 | 78 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | 233 | 49 | 6 |
| Total | 6,955 | 289 | 7 |
Source: Lokpal of India Annual Data (lokpal.gov.in)
Concerns and Criticism
- Low Output: Out of nearly 7,000 complaints, only 7 cases have reached the prosecution stage.
- Lack of Transparency: No annual reports have been uploaded since 2021–22, reducing accountability.
- Procedural Hurdles: Many complaints are dismissed on technical grounds, discouraging whistleblowers.
- Delayed Institutional Growth: The Prosecution Wing was established only in 2025, after a 12-year wait.
- Public Disillusionment: Sharp fall in complaints reflects a loss of credibility and public engagement.
- Ethical Concerns: The BMW car procurement controversy contradicts the Lokpal’s image of austerity and moral leadership.
“The Lokpal was created after a massive public campaign to ensure an independent authority could investigate big-ticket corruption involving top officials. Its current state reflects growing apathy and lack of transparency.”
— Anjali Bhardwaj, RTI Activist
Way Forward
- Digital Transparency: Create a real-time complaint dashboard to track progress and improve citizen oversight.
- Ethical Conduct: Maintain financial prudence and avoid luxury expenditures.
- Institutional Strengthening: Provide staff, resources, and clear timelines for investigations.
- Simplify Procedures: Make complaint filing easier and more citizen-friendly.
- Public Awareness: Run campaigns to promote anti-corruption literacy and civic participation.
- Legislative Review: Amend the Act to ensure annual report publication and Parliamentary oversight.
Conclusion
Lokpal was envisioned as the moral guardian of India’s democracy, protecting citizens from corruption at the highest levels. Yet, declining complaints, procedural rigidity, and lack of transparency have weakened its credibility. Reviving Lokpal requires ethical leadership, procedural reform, and public engagement — to ensure that justice is not only promised but also seen to be delivered.
