Although delayed, the appointment of the first Lokpal is an essential step forward in the fight against graft in government COMMENT.
Approach
- Give a quick outline of the recent appointment of India’s first Lokpal.
- Discuss how Lokpal is a significant step forward in the battle against corruption.
- You can also point out some of its shortcomings.
- Finally, make some recommendations.
Introduction
After five years of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act being passed, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh was appointed as India’s first Lokpal. The Act provided for the establishment of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the States to investigate instances of corruption involving specific categories of public workers.
Body
Though delayed, the appointment of the Lokpal is a crucial step forward in the battle against corruption because:
Lokpal has broad jurisdiction; it can investigate claims of corruption against anyone who is or has been Prime Minister, a Minister in the Union government, or a Member of Parliament, as well as Union government officials in Groups A, B, C, and D.
It also includes the chairpersons, members, executives, and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust, or autonomous entity constituted by an Act of Parliament or funded entirely or partially by the Centre. It also includes any society, trust, or body that gets more than ten lakhs in foreign contributions.
After receiving a complaint under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988, the Lokpal might launch a preliminary investigation. If the accusation is determined to be accurate, the Lokpal can request that the government take disciplinary action against the public servant and file a case before a special court that the Centre will establish.
Lokpal has the authority to superintend and direct any investigation agency, such as the CBI or the CVC, while they are investigating and prosecuting crimes under Lokpal’s supervision.
It also allows citizens to file complaints with the Lokpal against corrupt public officials.
However, the Lokpal institution has some shortcomings, including:
If the allegations involve foreign relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy, or space, the Lokpal cannot investigate the Prime Minister’s corruption.
The Act further states that the Lokpal must not inquire or investigate any complaint filed more than seven years after the date of the offence. This limits Lokpal’s authority.
The Lokpal has been stripped of the jurisdiction to investigate cases of corruption and maladministration on its own.
Conclusion
Despite its limits, the appointment of the Lokpal is an essential step toward reducing ills in the administrative system, including corruption and maladministration. In the future, the Lokpal institution may be granted constitutional status to provide more autonomy.
