Q. Consider the following statements about the Lokpal:
I.The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to Indian public servants posted outside India.
II.The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to 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, as the case may be.
IV.Lokpal cannot inquire into allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement I is incorrect: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 applies to all public servants, whether posted inside or outside India. So, Lokpal has jurisdiction over Indian public servants posted abroad as well.
- Statement II is incorrect: The Act prohibits the Chairperson or Members from being Members of Parliament or State Legislatures. However, the Chairperson need not be only the Chief Justice of India (incumbent or retired). The Chairperson can be a person who is or has been the Chief Justice of India, or a Judge of the Supreme Court, or an eminent person.
- Statement III is correct: The Act requires that the Chairperson or Members should be at least 45 years of age on the date of assuming office.
- Statement IV is incorrect: The Lokpal can inquire into allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister (Section 14 of the Act). However, the procedure for inquiry against the PM involves some additional safeguards.
Source– PIB
