TAG: GS 2: POLITY
THE CONTEXT: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal, as announced recently.
EXPLANATION:
- The Lokpal, a crucial anti-corruption ombudsman institution, has been functioning without a regular chief since Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose completed his term on May 27, 2022.
- President appointed Justice as the chairperson of Lokpal, in accordance with a communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Additionally, the notification revealed the appointment of judicial members and non-judicial members.
- The chairperson and members of the Lokpal are appointed by the President based on the recommendations of a Selection Committee.
- The Prime Minister chairs this committee.
- The Lokpal, as per its structure, can have a total of eight members, comprising four judicial and four non-judicial members.
Lokpal:
- The Lokpal is the first institution of its kind in independent India,established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to inquire and investigate into allegations of corruption against public functionaries who fall within the scope and ambit of the above Act.
- The Lokpal of India is committed to address concerns and aspirations of the citizens of India for clean governance.
- It shall make all efforts within its jurisdiction to serve the public interest and shall endeavor to use the powers vested in it to eradicate corruption in public life.
- India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
- The commitment of the Government to provide clean and responsive governance is reflected in passing of the legislation and creation of the body of Lokpal, to contain and punish acts of corruption.
Key provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013:
- Selection Committee: which includes the Prime Minister as Chairperson, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her and one eminent jurist appointed by President.
- Jurisdiction includes the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and group A, B, C, and D of government employees.
- It is composed of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members, with half of them being judicial members. 50% of members belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, and women.
- It has the power of superintendence and directs any investigative agency, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, for cases referred to it by the Lokpal.
Conclusion:
- Justice A M Khanwilkar’s appointment as the chairperson of Lokpal, along with the appointment of other members, signifies a significant step towards strengthening the anti-corruption framework in India. His extensive judicial experience and involvement in landmark cases add weight to his role in leading the Lokpal, contributing to the institution’s effective functioning in combating corruption.