Lokpal

1.Lokpal: Recently, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance in the matter of Lokpal order that declared High Court judges as ‘public servants’ under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, stayed the Lokpal order, calling its interpretation “very disturbing”.

• About Lokpal of India: Established under Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the law creates the institution of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the State level to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.
• Powers of Lokpal: Search & seizure → Powers under Civil Procedure Code for inquiry & investigation → Attachment of assets & other anti-corruption measures → Supervision & direction over CBI & other agencies for referred cases.
• Jurisdiction of Lokpal: Covers allegations of corruption against- Prime Minister (former & current) (with restrictions) → Union Ministers & Members of Parliament → Union Government officials (Groups A, B, C, D) → Chairpersons, members, officers, directors of Boards, corporations, societies, trusts, autonomous bodies established by Parliament or partly/fully funded by Union/State Government.
• Appointment: Chairperson and members to be appointed by President on the recommendations of a selection committee consisting of Prime Minister (Chairperson), Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India (or his/her nominee) and one eminent jurist.