Govt Lokpal vs Jan Lok Pal Bill

8/3/2019 Govt Lokpal vs Jan Lok Pal Bill

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THELOKPALBILL,2011ARRANGEMENTOFCLAUSES

CHAPTERIPRELIMINARY

1. Shorttitleandcommencement.2. Definitions.

CHAPTERIIESTABLISHMENTOFLOKPAL

3. EstablishmentofLokpal.4. AppointmentofchairpersonandotherMembersandSelectionCommittee.5. FillingofvacanciesofChairpersonorotherMembers.6. TermofofficeandotherconditionsofserviceofChairpersonandMembers.7. Salary,allowancesandotherconditionsofserviceofChairpersonandMembers.8. RemovalandsuspensionofChairpersonandotherMemberofLokpal.9. Restriction

on

employment

by

Chairperson

and

Members

after

ceasing

to

hold

office.

10. MembertoactasChairpersonortodischargehisfunctionsincertaincircumstances.11. Secretary,otherOfficersandstaffofLokpal.

CHAPTERIIIINVESTIGATIONWING

12. InvestigationWing.13. Investigationofficertohavepowersofpolice.14. InvestigationofficertoinquireondirectionofLokpal.

CHAPTERIVPROSECUTIONWING

15. AppointmentofProsecutionDirector.CHAPTERV

EXPENSESOF

INSTITUTION

OF

LOKPAL

TO

BE

CHARGED

ON

CONSOLIDATEDFUNDOFINDIA

16. ExpensesofLokpaltobechargedonConsolidatedFundofIndia.CHAPTERVI

JURISDICTIONINRESPECTOFINQUIRY17. JurisdictionofLokpal.18. MatterspendingbeforeanycourtorcommitteeorauthoritybeforeinquirybeforeLokpalnottobe

affected.

19. ConstitutionofbenchesofLokpal.20. DistributionofbusinessamongstBenches21. PowerofChairpersontotransfercases22. Decisiontobebymajority.

CHAPTERVIIPROCEDUREINRESPECTOFINQUIRYANDINVESTIGATION

23. Provisionsrelatingtocomplaintsandinquiryandinvestigation. 24. Personslikelytobeprejudiciallyaffectedtobeheard.25. Lokpalmayrequireanypublicservantoranyotherpersontofurnishinformation,etc.26. PrevioussanctionnotnecessaryforinvestigationandinitiatingprosecutionbyLokpalincertaincases.27. ActiononinquiryinrelationtopublicservantsnotbeingminstersorMembersofParliament.28. ActiononinquiryagainstpublicservantbeingministersorMembersofParliament.

CHAPTERVIIIPOWERSOFLOKPAL

29. Searchandseizure.30. Lokpaltohavepowersofcivilcourtincertaincases.31. Powertopunishforcontempt.32. Power

of

Lokpal

to

utilise

services

of

officers

of

Central

or

State

Government.

33. Provisionalattachmentofassets.


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34. Confirmationofattachmentofassets.35. PowerofLokpaltorecommenddiscontinuance ofactivityconnectedwithallegationofcorruption.36. PowerofLokpaltogivedirectionstopreventdestructionofrecordsduringinquiry.37. Powertodelegate.

CHAPTERIXSPECIALCOURTS

38. SpecialCourtstobenotifiedbyCentralGovernment.39. LetterofrequesttoacontractingStateincertaincases.

CHAPTERXCOMPLAINTSAGAINSTCHAIRPERSON,MEMBERSANDOFFICIALSOFLOKPAL

40. ComplaintsagainstChairpersonandMembersnottobeinquiredbyLokpal.41. ComplaintsagainstofficialsofLokpal.

CHAPTERXIASSESSMENTOFLOSSANDRECOVERYTHEREOFBYSPECIALCOURT

42. AssessmentoflossandrecoverythereofbySpecialCourt.CHAPTERXII

FINANCE,ACCOUNTSANDAUDIT43. Budget.44. GrantsbyCentralGovernment.45. Annualstatementofaccounts.46. Furnishingofreturns,etc.,toCentralGovernment.

CHAPTERXIIIDECLARATIONOFASSETS

47. Declarationofassets.48. Presumptionastoacquisitionofassetsbycorruptmeansincertaincases.

CHAPTERXIVCITIZENSCHARTER

49. Citizenscharter.CHAPTERXV

OFFENCESANDPENALTIES50. Prosecutionforfalsecomplaintandpaymentofcompensation,etc.,topublicservant.51. Falsecomplaintmadebysocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust.

CHAPTERXVIMISCELLANEOUS

52. Protectionofactiontakeningoodfaithbyanypublicservant.53. Protectionofactiontakeningoodfaithbyothers.54. Members,officersandemployeesofLokpaltobepublicservants.55. BarofJurisdiction.56. Act

to

have

overriding

effect.

57. ProvisionofthisActtobeinadditionofotherlaws.58. Amendmentofcertainenactments.59. Powertomakerules.60. PowerofLokpaltomakeregulations.61. Layingofrulesandregulations.62. Powertoremovedifficulties.THEFIRSTSCHEDULE

THESECONDSCHEDULE


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THELOKPALBILL,2011A

BILL

toprovidefortheestablishmentoftheinstitutionofLokpaltoinquireintoallegations of corruption against certainpublicfunctionaries andformattersconnectedtherewith.WHEREAStheConstitutionofIndiaestablishedademocraticRepublicto

ensurejusticeforall;

AND WHEREASgoodgovernance is thebedrockofdemocracyand the

guaranteeof

development

as

aright

of

the

citizen;

AND WHEREAS Parliament has progressively and incrementally

contributed to thebodyof law to fulfil theaspirationsof the citizensof

India;

ANDWHEREASvarious institutionsofgovernanceaswellasdemocratic

institutionshaveworkedtostrengthenparticipatorydemocracy;

ANDWHEREAStherapidgrowthofdemocraticandeconomicinstitutions

havebroughtnewchallengesofaccountabilityand integrity inthecourse

ofgovernance;

ANDWHEREASgraft

and

corruption

have

become

aserious

menace

to

societyandgovernance;

ANDWHEREAS serious concernshave been expressed about the grave

consequencesofcorruptioninhighplaces;

AND WHEREAS India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention

AgainstCorruption;

AND WHEREAS the countrys commitment to clean and responsive

governancehas tobe reflected inaneffective institution to containand

punishactsofcorruption;

NOW, THEREFORE,it

is

expedient

to

provide

for

prompt

and

fair

investigationandprosecutionofcasesofcorruption.


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BEitenactedbyParliamentintheSixtysecondYearoftheRepublicof

Indiaasfollows:

CHAPTERIPRELIMINARY

1.(1)ThisActmaybecalledtheLokpalAct,2011.(2) It shall come into forceon suchdate as theCentralGovernment

may,bynotification in theOfficialGazette, appoint;anddifferentdates

maybeappointedfordifferentprovisionsofthisActandanyreferencein

any provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as

referencetothecomingintoforceofthatprovision.

Shorttitleand

commencement.

2.(1)InthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires, Definitions.(a)"Bench"meansaBenchoftheLokpal;

(b)ChairpersonmeanstheChairpersonoftheLokpal;

(c)competentauthority,inrelationto

(i) a member of the Council of Ministers, means the Prime

Minister;

(ii) amember of Parliament other than aMinistermeans the

CouncilofStates in thecaseofamemberof thatCounciland the

HouseofthePeopleinthecaseofamemberofthatHouse;

(iii) an officer in the Ministry or Department of the Central

Government means the Minister in charge of the Ministry or

Departmentunderwhichsuchofficerisserving;

(iv) a chairperson or members of any body, or Board or

corporation or authority or company or society or autonomous

body(bywhatevernamecalled)establishedorconstitutedunderan

Act of Parliament or wholly or partly financed by the Central

GovernmentorcontrolledbyitmeanstheMinisterinchargeofthe

administrativeMinistry of such body, or Board or corporation orauthorityorcompanyorsocietyorautonomousbody;

(v)anofficerofanybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityor

companyorsocietyorautonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled)

establishedor

constituted

under

an

Act

of

Parliament

or

wholly

or

partlyfinancedbytheCentralGovernmentorcontrolledbyitmeans

the head of such body or Board or corporation or authority or

companyorsocietyorautonomousbody;(d)complaintmeansacomplaintallegingthatapublicservanthas

committedanoffencepunishableunder thePreventionofCorruption

Act,1988;

(e)inquirymeansevery inquiryconductedunder thisActby the

Lokpal;

(f) Judicial Member means a Judicial Member of the Lokpal

appointedassuch;

49of1988.


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(g)Lokpalmeanstheinstitutionestablishedundersection3;

(h)MembermeansaMemberoftheLokpal;

(i) Ministermeans anUnionMinister but does not include thePrime

Minister;

(j)notificationmeansnotificationpublishedintheOfficialGazetteand

theexpressionnotifyshallbeconstruedaccordingly;

(k)prescribedmeansprescribedbyrulesmadeunderthisAct;

(l)publicservantmeansapersonreferredto inclauses(a)to(e)

ofsubsection(1)ofsection17;

(m)regulationsmeansregulationsmadeunderthisAct;

(n)SchedulemeansaScheduletothisAct;

(o)Special

Court

means

aSpecial

Court

appointed

under

sub

section(1)ofsection3ofthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.49of1988.

(2)Wordsandexpressionsusedhereinandnotdefined in thisAct

butdefined in thePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988,shallhave the

meaningsrespectivelyassignedtotheminthatAct.

CHAPTERIIESTABLISHMENTOFLOKPAL

3. (1) As from the commencement of this Act, there shall beestablished, for thepurposeofmaking inquiries in respectofcomplaints

madeunderthisAct,aninstitutiontobecalledtheLokpal.

(2)TheLokpalshallconsistof

(a)aChairperson;and

(b) ten Members, out of whom at least four shall be Judicial

Members.

Establishmentof

Lokpal.

(3)Apersonshallbeeligibletobeappointed,

(a)astheChairpersonoraMemberifheisapersonofimpeccable

integrity,outstandingabilityandstandinghavingspecialknowledgeof,

andprofessionalexperienceofnotlessthantwentyfiveyearsin,public

affairs, administrative law and policy, academics, commerce and

industry,law,financeormanagement;

(b)asaJudicialMemberifheisorhasbeenaChiefJusticeofaHigh

CourtoraJudgeoftheSupremeCourt.

(4)TheChairpersonoraMembershallnotbeamemberofParliament

oramemberoftheLegislatureofanyStateorUnionterritoryandshallnot

holdanyofficeoftrustorprofit(otherthanhisofficeastheChairpersonor

a Member) or be connected with any political party or carry on any

businessorpractiseanyprofessionandaccordingly,beforeheentersupon

hisoffice,apersonappointedastheChairpersonoraMember,asthecase

maybe,shall,if

(a)heisamemberofParliamentoroftheLegislatureofanyState


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orUnionterritory,resignfromsuchmembership;or

(b)heholdsanyofficeoftrustorprofit,resignfromsuchoffice;or

(c) he is connectedwith any political party, sever his connection

withit;

or

(d) he is carrying on any business, sever his connectionwith the

conductandmanagementofsuchbusiness;or

(e) he is practicing any profession, cease to practise such

profession.

(5)TheChairpersonandeveryMembershall,beforeenteringuponhisoffice,makeandsubscribebeforethePresidentanoathoraffirmation in

theformsetoutintheFirstSchedule.Appointmentof

Chairperson

andother

Membersand

Selection

Committee.

4. (1) The Chairperson and Members shall be appointed by thePresident

after

obtaining

the

recommendations

of

aSelection

Committee

consistingof

(a) thePrimeMinister chairperson;

(b)theSpeakeroftheHouseofthePeople member;

(c) the Leader of the House other than the House in which the

PrimeMinisterisaMemberofParliamentmember;

(d) theMinister incharge of theMinistry ofHomeAffairs in the

GovernmentofIndia member;

(e) the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People

member;

(f)theLeaderoftheOppositionintheCouncilofStatesmember:

Providedthatincase,thereisnoLeaderofOppositionintheHouse

ofthePeopleortheCouncilofStates,the leaderofthesingle largest

grouporpartyinoppositiontotheGovernment,asthecasemaybe,in

such House or Council shall be deemed to be a member of the

Committeespecifiedinclause(e)orclause(f),asthecasemaybe:

(g)onesittingJudgeoftheSupremeCourttobenominatedbythe

ChiefJusticeofIndiamember;

(h)one

sitting

Chief

Justice

of

aHigh

Court

to

be

nominated

by

the

ChiefJusticeofIndiamember;

(i)thePresidentoftheNationalAcademyofSciences,India,beinga

society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the

seniormostNationalProfessormember;

(j)CabinetSecretarysecretary.

(2) No appointment of a Chairperson or aMember shall be invalid

merelybyreasonofanyvacancyintheCommittee.

21of1860.

(3) The Selection Committee may, if it considers necessary for the

purposesof

selecting

the

Chairperson

and

other

members

of

the

Lokpal

andforpreparingapanelofpersonstobeconsideredforappointmentas


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such, constitute a Search Committee consisting of such persons of

impeccable integrity and outstanding ability and standing having special

knowledge of, and professional experience of not less than twentyfive

years in, public affairs, administrative law and policy, academics,

commerceandindustry,law,finance,management,orinanyothermatter

whichintheopinionoftheSelectionCommittee,maybeusefulinmaking

selectionofChairpersonandotherMembersoftheLokpal.

(4) The Selection Committee shall regulate its own procedure for

selecting the Chairperson and Members of the Lokpal which shall be

transparent.

(5)Thetermofthesearchcommitteereferredtoinsubsection(3)and

feeandallowancespayabletothemembersofthesearchcommitteeand

the manner of selection of panel of names shall be such as may be

prescribed.

Fillingof

vacanciesof

Chairpersonor

other

Members.

5.ThePresidentshalltakeorcausetobetakenallnecessarystepsfortheappointmentofanewChairpersonandotherMembersat leastthree

monthsbeforetheexpiryofthetermofsuchChairpersonorMember,as

thecasemaybe,inaccordancewiththeprocedurelaiddowninthisAct.

Termofoffice

ofChairperson

andMembers.

6. The Chairperson and every other Member shall, on therecommendations of the Selection Committee, be appointed by the

Presidentbywarrantunderhishandandsealandholdofficeassuchfora

termnotexceedingfiveyearsfromthedateonwhichheentersuponhis

officeoruntilheattainstheageofseventyyears,whicheverisearlier:

Providedthat

he

may

(a)bywritingunderhishand addressed to the President, resignhisoffice;or

(b) beremovedfromhisofficeinthemannerprovidedinsection8.Salary,

allowancesand

other

conditionsof

serviceof

Chairperson

andMembers.

7.Thesalary,allowancesandotherconditionsofserviceof(i)theChairpersonshallbethesameasthoseoftheChiefJusticeof

India;

(ii) otherMembers shall be the same as those of a Judge of the

SupremeCourt:

Provided that if the Chairperson or aMember is, at the time of his

appointment, in receipt of pension (other than disability pension) in

respectofanyprevious serviceunder theGovernmentof Indiaorunder

the Government of a State, his salary in respect of service as the

Chairpersonor,asthecasemaybe,asaMember,bereduced

(a) bytheamountofthatpension;and(b) ifhehas,beforesuchappointment,received,inlieuofaportion

of the pension due to him in respect of such previous service, the

commutedvaluethereof,bytheamountofthatportionofthepension:

Providedfurther

that

the

salary,

allowances

and

pension

payable

to,andotherconditionsofserviceof,theChairpersonoraMembershall


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notbevariedtohisdisadvantageafterhisappointment.

Removaland

suspensionof

Chairperson

andother

Memberof

Lokpal.

8. (1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection (3),theChairpersonorany other Member shall be removed from his office by order of the

Presidenton

grounds

of

misbehaviour

after

the

Supreme

Court,

on

a

reference being made to it by the President, has, on inquiry held in

accordancewiththeprocedureprescribedinthatbehalf,reportedthatthe

ChairpersonorsuchotherMember,asthecasemaybe,oughtonanysuch

groundtoberemoved.

(2) The Presidentmay suspend from office the Chairperson or any

otherMember in respect of whom a reference has beenmade to the

SupremeCourtundersubsection(1)untilthePresidenthaspassedorders

onreceiptofthereportoftheSupremeCourtonsuchreference.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), the

Presidentmay

by

order

remove

from

the

office

the

Chairperson

or

any

otherMember iftheChairpersonorsuchotherMember,asthecasemay

be,

(a)isadjudgedaninsolvent;or

(b) engages during his term of office in any paid employment

outsidethedutiesofhisoffice;or

(c)is,intheopinionofthePresident,unfittocontinueinofficeby

reasonofinfirmityofmindorbody.

(4)IftheChairpersonoranyotherMemberisorbecomesinanyway

concerned or interested in any contract or agreement made by or on

behalf of the Government of India or the Government of a State or

participates in any way in the profit thereof or in any benefit or

emolumentarisingtherefromotherwisethanasamemberandincommon

with the othermembers of an incorporated company, he shall, for the

purposesofsubsection(1),bedeemedtobeguiltyofmisbehaviour.

Restrictionon

employmentby

Chairperson

andMembers

afterceasingto

holdoffice.

9. (1) On ceasing to hold office, the Chairperson and every otherMembershallbeineligiblefor

(i)reappointmentastheChairpersonoraMemberoftheLokpal;

(ii) any diplomatic assignment, appointment as administrator of a

Unionterritory

and

such

other

assignment

or

appointment

which

is

requiredbylawtobemadebythePresidentbywarrantunderhishand

andseal;

(iii) further employment to any other office of profit under the

GovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofaState;

(iv)contestinganyelectionofPresidentorVicePresidentorMemberof

eitherHouseofParliamentorMemberofeitherHouseofStateLegislature

orMunicipalityorPanchayat.

(2)Notwithstandinganything contained in subsection (1),aMember

shallbe eligible tobe appointed as a Chairperson, if his total tenure as

Memberand

Chairperson

does

not

exceed

five

years.


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Membertoact

asChairperson

ortodischarge

hisfunctionsin

certain

circumstances.

10. (1) In theeventof theoccurrenceofanyvacancy in theofficeofChairpersonbyreasonofhisdeath,resignationorotherwise,thePresident

may, by notification, authorise the seniormost Member to act as the

Chairperson until the appointment of a new Chairperson to fill such

vacancy.

(2)WhentheChairpersonisunabletodischargehisfunctionsowingto

absenceon leaveorotherwise,theseniormostMemberavailable,asthe

Presidentmay,bynotification,authoriseinthisbehalf,shalldischargethe

functions of the Chairperson until the date on which the Chairperson

resumeshisduties.Secretary,other

Officersand

staffofLokpal.

11.(1)TheappointmentofsecretaryandotherofficersandstaffoftheLokpalshallbemadebytheChairpersonorsuchotherMemberorofficer

ofLokpalastheChairpersonmaydirect:

Providedthat

the

President

may

by

rule

require

that

the

appointment

in respectofanypostorposts asmaybe specified in the rule, shallbe

madeafterconsultationwiththeUnionPublicServiceCommission.

(2) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the

conditionsofserviceofsecretaryandotherofficersandstaffoftheLokpal

shallbesuchasmaybespecifiedbyregulationsmadebytheLokpalforthe

purpose:

Providedthattheregulationsmadeunderthissubsectionshall,sofar

as they relate to salaries, allowances, leave or pensions, require the

approvalofthePresident.

CHAPTERIIIINVESTIGATIONWING

Investigation

Wing.12.Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinanylawforthetimebeing

inforce,theLokpalshallconstituteanInvestigationWingforthepurpose

ofconductinginvestigationofanyoffenceallegedtohavebeencommitted

by a public servant punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act,

1988:

49of1988.

Provided that till such time the InvestigationWing isconstitutedby

theLokpal, theCentralGovernmentshallmakeavailablesuchnumberof

investigation officers and other staff from such of its Ministries or

Departments, as may be required by the Lokpal, for carrying out

investigationunderthisAct.

Investigation

officertohave

powersof

police.

13. (1)No investigation shallbemadebyan investigationofficerofthe Investigation Wing below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of

Policeorbyanyotherofficerofequivalentrank.(2)The investigationofficersof the InvestigationWing shallhave in

relation to the investigation of such offences, all the powers,duties,

privilegesand liabilitieswhichpoliceofficershave inconnectionwiththe

investigationofsuchoffences.Investigation

officerto

inquireon

directionof

14.(1)TheLokpalmay,beforeholdinganyinquiryunderthisAct, byanorder,

require

the

investigation

officer

of

its

Investigation

Wing

to

make,

or

cause tobemade,apreliminary investigation in suchmanneras itmay


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Lokpal. direct and submit a report to the Lokpal, within such time asmay be

specifiedby theLokpal, toenable it tosatisfy itselfastowhetherornot

thematterrequirestobeinquiredintobytheLokpal.

(2)The

investigation

officer

on

receipt

of

an

order

under

sub

section

(1)

shall complete the investigation and submit his report within the time

specifiedunderthatsubsection.

CHAPTERIVPROSECUTIONWING

Appointment of

Prosecution

Director.

15. (1)TheLokpalmay,bynotification,constituteaprosecutionwingandappointaprosecutionDirectorandsuchotherofficersandemployees

toassisttheprosecutionDirectorforthepurposeofprosecutionofpublic

servantsinrelationtoanycomplaintbytheLokpalunderthisAct.

(2)TheprosecutionDirectorshall,afterhavingbeensodirectedbythe

Lokpal,file

acomplaint

before

the

Special

Court,

and

take

all

necessary

steps in respectof the prosecutionof public servants in relation to any

offencepunishableunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988. 49of1988.

CHAPTERVEXPENSESOFINSTITUTIONOFLOKPALTOBECHARGEDON

CONSOLIDATEDFUNDOFINDIAExpensesof

Lokpaltobe

chargedon

Consolidated

FundofIndia.

16.Theexpensesof the Lokpal, includingall salaries,allowancesand

pensions payable to or in respect of the Chairperson, members or

secretaryorotherofficersorstaffof theLokpal,shallbechargedon the

Consolidated Fund of India and any fees or othermoneys taken by the

Lokpalshall

form

part

of

that

Fund.

CHAPTERVIJURISDICTIONINRESPECTOFINQUIRY

Jurisdictionof

Lokpal.17. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Lokpal shall

inquireintoanymatterinvolvedin,orarisingfrom,orconnectedwith,any

allegationofcorruptionbyapublicservantmadeinacomplaintinrespect

ofthefollowing,namely:

(a)anypersonwhoisorhasbeenaMinisteroftheUnionotherthan

thePrimeMinister;

(b)any

person

who

is

or

has

been

aMember

of

either

House

of

Parliament;

(c) anyGroup A officer or equivalent or above,when serving or

whohasserved,inconnectionwiththeaffairsoftheUnion;

(d) any chairpersonormemberorofficerequivalent toGroup A

officer referred to in clause (c)orequivalentorabove inanybodyor

Board or corporation or authority or company or society or

autonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled)establishedorconstituted

underanActofParliamentorwhollyorpartly financedbytheCentral

Governmentorcontrolledbyit;

(e)anydirector,manager,secretaryorotherofficerofeveryother


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societyor associationofpersonsor trust (whether registeredunder

anylawforthetimebeinginforceornot)whollyorpartlyfinancedby

the Government or in receipt of any sums under the Foreign

Contribution(Regulation)Act,1976oranydonationfromthepublic:

ProvidedthattheLokpalshallnot inquire intoanymatter involved in,

or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation of corruption

againstanyMemberofeitherHouseofParliament inrespectofanything

said or a vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof

coveredundertheprovisionscontained inclause(2)ofarticle105ofthe

Constitution.

(2)TheLokpalmayinquireintoanyactorconductofanypersonother

thanthosereferredto insubsection(1),ifsuchperson isassociatedwith

theallegationofcorruptionunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.

(3)No

matter

in

respect

of

which

acomplaint

has

been

made

to

the

LokpalunderthisAct,shallbereferredforinquiryundertheCommissions

ofInquiryAct,1952.

49of1976.

45of1988.

60of1952.

Matters

pendingbefore

anycourtor

committeeor

authority

beforeinquiry

beforeLokpal

nottobe

affected.

18.IncaseanymatterorproceedingrelatedtoallegationofcorruptionunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988hasbeenpendingbeforeany

court or committee of either House of Parliament or before any other

authoritypriortocommencementofthisActorpriortocommencementof

any inquiry after the commencement of this Act, such matter or

proceedingshallbecontinuedbeforesuchcourt,committeeorauthority.

49of1988.

Explanation. For the removal of doubts, it is herby declared that

continuanceof

such

matter

or

proceeding

before

any

court

or

committee

of eitherHouseof Parliamentorbefore any other authority, except for

such matters as are protected under clause (2) of article 105 of the

Constitutionorarependingbeforeacourt,shallnotaffect thepowerof

theLokpaltoinquireintosuchmatterunderthisAct.

Constitutionof

benchesof

Lokpal.

19.(1)SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct,(a) the jurisdiction of the Lokpal may be exercised by benches

thereof;

(b) a benchmay be constituted by the Chairpersonwith two or

moreMembers

as

the

Chairperson

may

deem

fit;

(c) every bench shall ordinarily consist of at least one Judicial

Member;

(d)whereabenchconsistsoftheChairperson,suchbenchshallbe

presidedoverbytheChairperson;

(e)whereabenchconsistsofaJudicialMember,andanonJudicial

Member,notbeingtheChairperson,suchbenchshallbepresidedover

bytheJudicialMember;

(f)thebenchesoftheLokpalshallordinarilysitatNewDelhiandat

suchother

places

as

the

Lokpal

may,

by

regulations,

specify.


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(2)TheLokpalshallnotifytheareasinrelationtowhicheachbenchof

theLokpalmayexercisejurisdiction.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (2), the

Chairpersonshall

have

the

power

to

constitute

or

reconstitute

benches

fromtimetotime.

(4)Ifatanystageofthehearingofanycaseormatteritappearstothe

ChairpersonoraMemberthatthecaseormatterisofsuchanaturethatit

ought tobeheardbyabenchconsistingof threeormoreMembers, the

caseormattermaybetransferredbytheChairpersonor,asthecasemay

be, referred to him for transfer, to such bench as the Chairpersonmay

deemfit.

Distribution ofbusinessamongstBenches

20.Wherebenchesareconstituted,theChairpersonmay,fromtimetotime,bynotification,makeprovisionsastothedistributionofthebusiness

ofthe

Lokpal

amongst

the

benches

and

also

provide

for

the

matters

which

maybedealtwithbyeachbench.Power ofChairperson totransfer cases

21. On an application for transfermade by the complainant or thepublicservant,theChairperson,aftergivinganopportunityofbeingheard

tothecomplainantorthepublicservant,asthecasemaybe,maytransfer

anycasependingbeforeonebenchfordisposaltoanyotherbench.Decisiontobe

bymajority.22. If theMembers of a bench consisting of twoMembers differ in

opiniononanypoint, they shall state thepointorpointsonwhich they

differ,andmakeareferencetotheChairpersonwhoshalleitherhearthe

pointorpointshimselforreferthecaseforhearingonsuchpointorpoints

byone

or

more

of

the

other

Members

of

the

Lokpal

and

such

point

or

points shall be decided according to the opinion of themajority of the

MembersoftheLokpalwhohaveheardthecase,includingthosewhofirst

heardit.CHAPTERVII

PROCEDUREINRESPECTOFINQUIRYANDINVESTIGATIONProvisions

relatingto

complaintsand

inquiryand

investigation.

23. (1) The Lokpal, on receipt of a complaint, may either make

preliminary inquiryordirect itsInvestigationWing,tomakeapreliminary

investigation to ascertain whether there exists a prima facie case forproceedinginthematter.

(2)Everypreliminaryinquiryorpreliminaryinvestigationreferredtoinsubsection(1)shallordinarilybecompletedwithinaperiodofthirtydays

andforreasonstoberecordedinwriting,withinafurtherperiodofthree

monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthecomplaint.

(3)Uponcompletionofthepreliminaryinvestigation,theinvestigating

authorityshallsubmititsreporttotheLokpal.

(4) Before the Lokpal comes to the conclusion in the course of a

preliminary inquiry and after submission of a report referred to in sub

section(3)

that

aprima facie is made out against the public servant

pursuant to suchapreliminary inquiry, theLokpal shallafford thepublic


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servantanopportunity tobeheard consistentwithprinciplesofnatural

justice.

(5)Where the Lokpal, after receiving the report of the investigating

authoritypursuant

to

apreliminary

investigation

or

conclusion

of

the

preliminary inquiriesas referred to in subsection (1) is satisfied thatno

primafacie case ismade out for proceeding further in thematter, thecomplaint shallbe closedand thedecision thereonbe communicated to

thecomplainantandthepublicservant.

(6)WheretheLokpalisoftheopinionthatprimafaciecaseismadeoutand refers the matter for investigation, upon completion of such

investigationandbeforefilingthechargesheet,thepublicservantagainst

whomsuchinvestigationisbeingconductedshallbegivenanopportunity

tobe

heard

consistent

with

the

principles

of

natural

justice.

(7)Every inquiryconductedbytheLokpal,uponbeingsatisfiedthata

primafaciecase ismadeout,shallbeopentothepublicprovidedthat inexceptionalcircumstancesandforreasonstoberecordedinwritingbythe

Lokpal,suchinquirymaybeconductedincamera.(8) Incase theLokpalproceeds to inquire into thecomplaint, itshall

hold such inquiry as expeditiously as possible and complete the inquiry

withinaperiodof sixmonths from thedateof receiptof the complaint

which,forreasonstoberecordedinwriting,maybeextendedbyafurther

periodof

six

months.

(9) The public servant against whom an inquiry is being conducted

undersubsection(8)shallbegivenanopportunitytobeheardconsistent

withtheprinciplesofnaturaljustice.

(10)Where in a case the Lokpal is of the opinion and reason to be

recorded inwritingthat it isnot inthe interestofjusticetoeitherholda

preliminaryinquiryorpreliminaryinvestigation,itmayreferthematterfor

investigation.

(11)Upon

completion

of

such

investigation

but

before

filing

acharge

sheet,the investigatingauthorityshallplace therecords in itspossession

alongwith itprimafacie conclusion before the Lokpalwho shall beforedirectingthatachargesheetbefiledaffordthepublicservantconcerned

anopportunitytobeheardconsistentwiththeprinciplesofnaturaljustice.

(12) IftheLokpalproposes to inquire intoacomplaint, itmay,atany

stage,

(a) pass appropriate orders for safe custody of the documents

relevanttotheinquiryasitdeemsfit;and

(b)forwardacopyofthecomplainttothepublicservantconcerned


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along with all relevant material relied upon and afford him an

opportunitytorepresenthiscase.

(13) Thewebsite of the Lokpal shall, from time to time and in such

manneras

may

be

specified

by

regulations,

display

to

the

public,

the

status

ofnumberofcomplaintspendingbeforeitordisposedofbyit.

(14)TheLokpalmaywithholdtherecordsandevidencewhicharelikely

to impedetheprocessof inquiryorconductofacaseby itortheSpecial

Court.

(15) Save as otherwise provided, the manner and procedure of

conductinganinquiryorinvestigationunderthisAct,shallbesuchasmay

bespecifiedbyregulations.

Persons

likely

to

beprejudicially

affectedtobe

heard.

24.If,atanystageoftheproceeding,theLokpal(a)considersitnecessarytoinquireintotheconductofanyperson

otherthantheprospectiveaccused;or

(b) is of opinion that the reputation of any person other than a

accusedislikelytobeprejudiciallyaffectedbytheinquiry,

the Lokpal shall give to that person a reasonable opportunity of being

heard in the inquiry and toproduce evidence in hisdefence, consistent

withtheprinciplesofnaturaljustice:

Providedthatnothing inthissectionshallapplywherethecredibility

of

a

witness

is

being

impeached.

Lokpalmay

requireany

publicservant

oranyother

personto

furnish

information,

etc.

25. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, for the purpose of anyinquiryor investigation, the Lokpalor the investigating authority, as the

casemaybe,mayrequireanypublicservantoranyotherpersonwho, in

itsopinion, isabletofurnish informationorproducedocumentsrelevant

tosuchinquiryorinvestigation,tofurnishanysuchinformationorproduce

anysuchdocument.

Previous

sanctionnot

necessaryfor

investigation

andinitiating

prosecutionby

Lokpalin

certaincases.

26.(1)NosanctionorpermissionorauthorisationshallberequiredbytheLokpaloritsInvestigationWingundersection6AoftheDelhi Special

Police Establishment Act, 1946, or section 197 of the Code of Criminal

Procedure,1973or section19of thePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988

for the purpose ofmaking inquiry by the Lokpal or investigation by its

InvestigationWing into any complaint against any public servant or for

filingofanycomplaint in respect thereofbefore theSpecialCourtunder

thisAct.

(2)ASpecialCourtmay,notwithstandinganythingcontained insection

6Aof theDelhiSpecialPoliceEstablishmentAct,1946,or section197of

theCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973or section19of thePreventionof

Corruption Act, 1988, on a complaint filed by the Lokpal or any officer

authorisedby it in thisbehalf, take cognizanceofoffence committedby

anypublicservant.

(3)Nothingcontainedinsubsections(1)and(2)shallapplyinrespectof

25of1946.

2of1974.

49of

1988.

25of1946.

2of1974.

49of1988.


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be,eitherHouseofParliament,isnotinsession,shallbeexcluded.

CHAPTERVIIIPOWERSOFLOKPAL

Searchand

seizure.29.(1)IftheLokpalhasreasontobelievethatanydocumentwhich,in

itsopinion,shallbeuseful for,orrelevantto,any investigationor inquiry

under thisAct,are secreted inanyplace, itmayauthoriseanyofficerof

InvestigationWing,tosearchforandtoseizesuchdocuments.

(2) If the Lokpal is satisfied that any document seized under sub

section (1) would be evidence for the purpose of any investigation or

inquiry under this Act and that it would be necessary to retain the

document in its custody or in the custody of such officer as may be

authorised,itmaysoretainordirectsuchofficerauthorisedtoretainsuch

documenttillthecompletionofsuchinvestigationorinquiry:

Provided thatwhere any document is required to be returned, the

Lokpalortheauthorisedofficermayreturnthesameafterretainingcopies

ofsuchdocumentdulyauthenticated.

(3)TheprovisionsoftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973relatingto

searches shall, so far asmay be, apply to searches under this section

subjecttothemodificationthatsubsection (5)ofsection165ofthesaid

Codeshallhaveeffectas ifforthewordMagistrate,wherever itoccurs

therein, the words Lokpal or any officer authorised by it were

substituted.

2of1974.

Lokpalto

have

powersofcivil

courtincertain

cases.

30.(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,forthepurposeofanyinquiry,theLokpalshallhaveallthepowersofacivilcourt,undertheCode

of Civil Procedure, 1908,while trying a suit in respect of the following

matters,namely:

(i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and

examininghimonoath;

(ii)requiringthediscoveryandproductionof anydocument;

(iii)receivingevidenceonaffidavits;

(iv)requisitioninganypublicrecordorcopythereoffromanycourt

oroffice;

(v) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or

documents:

Providedthatsuchcommission,incaseofawitness,shallbeissued

onlywherethewitness,intheopinionoftheLokpal,isnotinaposition

toattendtheproceedingbeforetheLokpal;and

(vi)suchothermattersasmaybeprescribed.

(2)AnyproceedingbeforetheLokpalshallbedeemedtobeajudicial

proceedingwithinthemeaningofsection193oftheIndianPenalCode.

Explanation.For

the

purposes

of

this

section,

public

servant

shall

5of1908.

45of1960.


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havethesamemeaningasisinsection21oftheIndianPenalCode.

Powerto

punishfor

contempt.

31. The Lokpal shall have, and exercise, jurisdiction, powers and

authority in respectofcontemptof itselfas theHighCourthasandmay

exercisesuch

power

or

authority,

for

this

purpose

under

the

provisions

of

theContemptofCourtsAct,1971,whichshallhaveeffectsubject to the

modificationthat

(a) any reference therein to a High Court shall be construed as

includingareferencetotheLokpal;

(b)anyreferencetotheAdvocateGeneralinsection15ofthesaid

Actshallbeconstruedasareferencetosuch lawofficerastheLokpal

mayspecifyinthisbehalf:

ProvidedthatsuchmattersshallbeheardbyaSpecialBenchconsisting

offiveMembersconstitutedbytheChairperson.

70of1971.

PowerofLokpal

toutilise

servicesof

officersof

CentralorState

Government.

32. (1) The Lokpalmay, for the purpose of conducting any inquiry,utilise the services of any officer or investigation agency of the Central

GovernmentoranyStateGovernment,asthecasemaybe.

(2)For thepurposeof investigating intoanymatterpertaining tothe

inquiry,anyofficeroragencywhoseservicesareutilisedundersubsection

(2)may,subjecttothedirectionandcontroloftheLokpal,

(a)summonandenforcetheattendanceofanypersonandexamine

him;

(b)requirethediscoveryandproductionofanydocument;and

(c)requisition

any

public

record

or

copy

thereof

from

any

office.

(3)Theofficeroragencywhoseservicesareutilisedundersubsection

(2)shallinvestigateintoanymatterpertainingtotheinquiryandsubmita

reportthereontotheLokpalwithinsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedbythe

Lokpalinthisbehalf.

Provisional

attachmentof

assets.

33.(1)WheretheLokpaloranyinvestigationofficerauthorisedbyitinthis behalf, has reason to believe, the reason for such belief to be be

recordedinwriting,onthebasisofmaterialinhispossession,that

(a)anypersonisinpossessionofanyproceedsofcorruption;

(b)such

person

is

accused

of

having

committed

an

offence

relating

tocorruption;and

(c)suchproceedsofoffencearelikelytobeconcealed,transferred

or dealt with in any manner which may result in frustrating any

proceedings relating to confiscation of such proceeds of offence, he

may,byorderinwriting,provisionallyattachsuchpropertyforaperiod

notexceedingninetydays from thedateof theorder, in themanner

provided intheSecondScheduletothe IncometaxAct,1961andthe

Lokpalshallbedeemedtobeanofficerundersubrule(e)ofrule1of

thatSchedule:

(2)The

Lokpal

shall,

immediately

after

attachment

under

sub

section

(1),forwardacopyoftheorder,alongwiththematerialinhispossession,

43of1961.


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referredtointhatsubsection,totheSpecialCourt, inasealedenvelope,

inthemannerasmaybeprescribedandsuchCourtmayextendtheorder

ofattachmentandkeep suchmaterial for suchperiodas theCourtmay

deemfit.

(3)Everyorderofattachmentmadeundersubsection (1)shallcease

tohaveeffectaftertheexpiryoftheperiodspecifiedinthatsubsectionor

aftertheexpiryoftheperiodasdirectedbytheSpecialCourtundersub

section(2).

(4)Nothing in this section shallprevent theperson interested in the

enjoymentof the immovablepropertyattachedunder subsection (1)or

subsection(2),fromsuchenjoyment.

Explanation. For the purposes of this subsection, person

interested, in relation to any immovable property, includes all persons

claimingor

entitled

to

claim

any

interest

in

the

property.

Confirmationof

attachmentof

assets.

34. (1)TheLokpal,when itprovisionallyattachesanypropertyundersubsection (1)of section33 shall,withinaperiodof thirtydaysof such

attachment,direct itsprosecutionwing to file an application stating the

factsofsuchattachmentbefore theSpecialCourtandmakeaprayer for

confirmation of attachment of the property till completion of the

proceedingsagainstthepublicservantintheSpecialCourt.

(2) The Special Courtmay, if it is of the opinion that the property

provisionallyattachedhadbeenacquiredthroughcorruptmeans,makean

orderforconfirmationofattachmentofsuchpropertytillthecompletion

of

the

proceedings

against

the

public

servant

in

the

Special

Court.

(3)Ifthepublicservantissubsequentlyacquittedofthechargesframed

againsthim,theproperty,subjecttotheordersoftheSpecialCourt,shall

berestoredtotheconcernedpublicservantalongwithbenefitsfromsuch

propertyasmighthaveaccruedduringtheperiodofattachment.

(4) If the public servant is subsequently convicted of the charges of

corruption,theproceedsrelatabletotheoffenceunderthePreventionof

Corruption Act, 1988 shall be confiscated and vest in the Central

Government free fromany encumbranceor leasehold interest excluding

anydebtduetoanybankorfinancialinstitution.

Explanation.For

the

purposes

of

this

sub

section,

the

expressions

bank, debt and financial institution shall have the meanings

respectivelyassignedtotheminclauses(d),(g)and(h)ofsection2ofthe

RecoveryofDebtsDuetoBanksandFinancialInstitutionsAct,1993.

49of1988.

51of1993.

PowerofLokpal

torecommend

transferor

suspensionof

publicservant

connectedwith

allegationof

corruption.

35. (1)Where the Lokpal,whilemaking an inquiry into allegationsofcorruption,isprimafaciesatisfied,onthebasisofevidenceavailable,that

(a)thecontinuanceofthepublicservantreferred to inclause (c)or

clause (d)of subsection (1)of section17 inhispostwhileconducting

theinquiryislikelytoaffectsuchinquiryadversely;or

(b)the

public

servant

referred

to

in

clause

(a)

is

likely

to

destroy

or

in


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anywaytamperwiththeevidenceorinfluencewitnesses,

then,theLokpalmayrecommendtotheCentralGovernmentfor transfer

or suspensionof suchpublic servant from thepostheldbyhim till such

periodas

may

be

specified

in

the

order.

(2) The Central Government shall ordinarily accept the

recommendationoftheLokpalmadeundersubsection(1),exceptforthe

reasons to be recorded inwriting in a casewhere it is not feasible for

administrativereasons.

PowerofLokpal

togive

directionsto

prevent

destructionof

recordsduring

inquiry.

36.TheLokpalmay, indischargeof itsfunctionsunderthisAct, issueappropriatedirectionstoapublicservantentrustedwith thepreparation

orcustodyofanydocumentorrecord

(a)toprotectsuchdocumentorrecordfromdestructionordamage;

or

(b) to prevent the public servant from altering or secreting such

documentorrecord;or

(c)topreventthepublicservantfromtransferringoralienatingany

assetsallegedlyacquiredbyhimthroughcorruptmeans.

Powerto

delegate.37.TheLokpalmay,bygeneralorspecialorderinwriting,andsubject

tosuchconditionsand limitationsasmaybespecifiedtherein,directthat

anyadministrativeorfinancialpowerconferredonitmayalsobeexercised

ordischargedbysuchof itsMembersorofficersoremployeesasmaybe

specifiedintheorder.

CHAPTERIXSPECIALCOURTS

SpecialCourts

tobenotified

byCentral

Government.

38.(1)TheCentralGovernmentshallconstitutesuchnumberofSpecialCourts, as recommended by the Lokpal, to hear and decide the cases

arisingoutofthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988orunderthisAct.

(2) The SpecialCourts constitutedunder subsection (1) shall ensure

completionofeachtrialwithinaperiodofoneyearfromthedateoffiling

ofthecaseintheCourt:

Providedthat incase the trialcannotbecompletedwithinaperiodof

one

year,

the

Special

Court

shall

record

reasons

therefor

and

complete

the

trialwithinafurtherperiodofnotmorethanthreemonthsorsuchfurther

periodsnotexceeding threemonthseach, for reasons tobe recorded in

writing, before the end of each such three month period, but not

exceedingatotalperiodoftwoyears.

49of1988.

Letterof

requesttoa

contracting

Stateincertain

cases.

39.(1)Notwithstandinganythingcontained inthisActortheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973if,inthecourseofaninquiryorinvestigationinto

anoffenceorotherproceedingunderthisAct,anapplicationismadetoa

SpecialCourtbytheInvestigationOfficeroftheLokpalthatanyevidenceis

requiredinconnectionwiththeinquiryorinvestigationintoanoffenceor

proceedingunderthisActandheisoftheopinionthatsuchevidencemay

beavailable

in

any

place

in

acontracting

State,

and

the

Special

Court,

on

being satisfied that such evidence is required in connection with the

2of1974.


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inquiryor investigation intoanoffenceorproceedingunderthisAct,may

issuealetterofrequesttoacourtoranauthorityinthecontractingState

competenttodealwithsuchrequestto

(i)examine

the

facts

and

circumstances

of

the

case;

(ii)takesuchstepsastheSpecialCourtmayspecifyinsuchletterof

request;and

(iii) forward all the evidence so taken or collected to the Special

Courtissuingsuchletterofrequest.

(2) The letterof request shallbe transmitted in suchmanneras the

CentralGovernmentmayprescribeinthisbehalf.

(3) Every statement recorded or document or thing received under

subsection(1)shallbedeemedtobeevidencecollectedduringthecourse

of

the

inquiry

or

investigation.

CHAPTERXCOMPLAINTSAGAINSTCHAIRPERSON,MEMBERSANDOFFICIALSOF

LOKPALComplaints

against

Chairperson

andMembers

nottobe

inquiredby

Lokpal.

40.(1)TheLokpalshallnotinquireintoanycomplaintmadeagainsttheChairpersonoranyMember.

(2)AnycomplaintagainsttheChairpersonorMembershallbemadeby

anapplication

by

the

party

aggrieved,

to

the

President.

(3)ThePresidentshall,incasethereexistsaprimafaciecaseforbiasorcorruption,makeareferencetotheChiefJusticeof India insuchmanner

as may be prescribed for inquiring into the complaint against the

ChairpersonorMember.

(4) The President shall decide the action against the Chairperson or

MemberonthebasisoftheopinionoftheChiefJusticeofIndiaandincase

the President is satisfied on the basis of the said opinion that the

Chairpersonor theMember isbiasedorhas indulged in corruption, the

President shall,notwithstandinganything contained in subsection (1)of

section 8, remove such Chairperson or Member and also order for

initiationofprosecutionincaseofallegationofcorruption.

Complaints

againstofficials

ofLokpal.

41. (1)Everycomplaintofallegationofwrongdoingmadeagainstanyofficeroremployeeor investigationagencyunderorassociatedwith the

Lokpal for offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act,

1988shallbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection.

(2) The Lokpal shall complete the inquiry into the complaint or

allegationmade,withinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateofitsreceipt.

(3)Whilemakingan inquiry into the complaintagainstanyofficeror

employeeoftheLokpaloragencyengagedorassociatedwiththeLokpal,if

itis

primafaciesatisfiedonthebasisofevidenceavailable,that(a)continuanceofsuchofficeroremployeeoftheLokpaloragency

49of1988.


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engagedorassociatedinhispostwhileconductingtheinquiryislikelyto

affectsuchinquiryadversely;or

(b) an officer or employee of the Lokpal or agency engaged or

associatedis

likely

to

destroy

or

in

any

way

tamper

with

the

evidence

or

influencewitnesses,

then, theLokpalmay,byorder, suspendsuchofficeroremployeeof the

LokpalordivestsuchagencyengagedorassociatedwiththeLokpalofall

powersandresponsibilitiesheretobeforeexercisedbyit.

(4)Onthecompletionoftheinquiry,iftheLokpalissatisfiedthatthere

is prima facie evidence of the commission of an offence under thePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988orofanywrongdoing, itshall,withina

period of fifteen days of the completion of such inquiry, order to

prosecute such officer or employee of the Lokpal or such officer,

employee,agency

engaged

or

associated

with

the

Lokpal

and

initiate

disciplinaryproceedingsagainstthe officialconcerned:

Providedthatnosuchordershallbepassedwithoutgivingsuchofficer

or employee of the Lokpal or person, agency engaged or associated, a

reasonableopportunityofbeingheard.

49of1988.

CHAPTERXIASSESSMENTOFLOSSANDRECOVERYTHEREOFBYSPECIALCOURT

Assessmentof

lossand

recovery

thereofby

SpecialCourt.

42.IfanypublicservantisconvictedofanoffenceunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988bytheSpecialCourt,notwithstandingandwithout

prejudice to any law for the time being in force, it may make an

assessmentof

loss,

ifany,

caused

to

the

public

exchequer

on

account

of

theactionsordecisionsofsuchpublicservantnottakeningoodfaithand

forwhich he stands convicted, andmay order recovery of such loss, if

possibleorquantifiable,fromsuchpublicservantsoconvicted:

ProvidedthatiftheSpecialCourt,forreasonstoberecordedinwriting,

comestotheconclusionthatthelosscausedwaspursuanttoaconspiracy

with thebeneficiaryorbeneficiariesofactionsordecisionsof thepublic

servant so convicted, then such loss may, if assessed and quantifiable

under this section, may also be recovered from such beneficiary or

beneficiariesproportionately.

45of1988.

CHAPTERXIIFINANCE,ACCOUNTSANDAUDIT

43. The Lokpal shallprepare, in such form and at such time in eachfinancialyearasmaybeprescribed, itsbudgetforthenextfinancialyear,

showingtheestimatedreceiptsandexpenditureoftheLokpalandforward

thesametotheCentralGovernmentforinformation.

Budget.

44. The Central Governmentmay, after due appropriationmade byParliamentbylawinthisbehalf,maketotheLokpalgrantsofsuchsumsof

moneyasarerequiredtobepaidforthesalariesandallowancespayable

to theChairpersonandotherMembersand theadministrativeexpenses,

includingthesalariesandallowancesandpensionpayabletoorinrespect

GrantsbyCentral

Government.


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ofofficersandotheremployeesoftheLokpal.45. (1)The Lokpal shallmaintainproperaccountsandother relevant

recordsandprepareanannualstatementofaccountsinsuchformasmay

beprescribed

by

the

Central

Government

in

consultation

with

the

ComptrollerandAuditorGeneralofIndia.

(2)TheaccountsoftheLokpalshallbeauditedbytheComptrollerand

AuditorGeneralofIndiaatsuchintervalsasmaybespecifiedbyhim.

(3) The Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India or any person

appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the

LokpalunderthisActshallhavethesamerights,privilegesandauthorityin

connection with such audit, as the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of

India generally has, in connection with the audit of the Government

accountsand,inparticular,shallhavetherighttodemandtheproduction

ofbooks,

accounts,

connected

vouchers

and

other

documents

and

papers

andtoinspectanyoftheofficesoftheLokpal.

(4)TheaccountsoftheLokpal,ascertifiedbyComptrollerandAuditor

General of India or any other person appointed by him in this behalf,

togetherwiththeauditreportthereon,shallbeforwardedannuallytothe

CentralGovernmentandtheCentralGovernmentshallcausethesameto

belaidbeforeeachHouseofParliament.

Annualstatement

ofaccounts.

46.(1)TheLokpalshallfurnishtotheCentralGovernment,atsuchtimeand in such form andmanner asmay be prescribed or as the Central

Government may request, such returns and statements and such

particulars

in

regard

to

any

matter

under

the

jurisdiction

of

the

Lokpal,

as

theCentralGovernmentmay,fromtimetotime,require.

(2)TheLokpalshallprepare,onceeveryyear,insuchformandatsuch

time asmay be prescribed, an annual report, giving a summary of its

activities during the previous year and copies of the report shall be

forwardedtotheCentralGovernment.

(3)Acopyofthereportreceivedundersubsection(2)shallbelaidby

the CentralGovernment, as soon asmay be after it is received, before

eachHouseofParliament.

Furnishingof

returns,etc.,to

Central

Government.

CHAPTERXIIIDECLARATIONOFASSETS

Declarationof

assets.47. (1)Everypublic servant shallmakeadeclarationofhisassetsand

liabilitiesinthemannerasprovidedbyorunderthisAct.

(2)Apublicservantshall,withinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateon

whichhemakesand subscribesanoathoraffirmation toenteruponhis

office,furnishtothecompetentauthoritytheinformationrelatingto

(a)theassetsofwhichhe,hisspouseandhisdependentchildrenare,

jointlyorseverally,ownersorbeneficiaries;

(b)hisliabilitiesandthatofhisspouseandhisdependentchildren.

(3)A

public

servant

holding

his

office

as

such,

at

the

time

of

the

commencement of this Act, shall furnish information relating to such


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assets and liabilities, as referred to in subsection (2) to the competent

authoritywithinthirtydaysofthecomingintoforceofthisAct.

(4) Everypublic servant shall filewith the competent authority,onor

beforethe

31

st

July

of

every

year,

an

annual

return

of

such

assets

and

liabilities, as referred to in subsection (2), ason the31stMarchof that

year.

(5)The informationundersubsection(2)orsubsection(3)andannual

returnundersubsection(4)shallbefurnishedtothecompetentauthority

insuchformandinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed.

(6) The competent authority in respect of each office or Department

shallensurethatallsuchstatementsarepublishedonthewebsiteofsuch

officerorDepartmentby31stAugustofthatyear.

Explanation. For the purposes of this section, dependent children

meanssons

and

daughters

who

have

no

separate

means

of

earning

and

arewhollydependentonthepublicservantfortheirlivelihood.

Presumptionas

toacquisitionof

assetsby

corruptmeans

incertaincases.

48.Ifanypublicservantwilfullyorforreasonswhicharenotjustifiable,failsto

(a)todeclarehis assets;or

(b) givesmisleading information inrespectof suchassetsand is

foundtobeinpossessionofassetsnotdisclosedorinrespectofwhich

misleadinginformationwasfurnished,

thensuchassetsshall,unlessotherwiseproved,bepresumedtobelongto

thepublic

servant

and

shall

be

presumed

to

be

assets

acquired

by

corrupt

means:

Provided that the competent authoritymay condone or exempt the

public servant from furnishing information in respect of assets not

exceedingsuchminimumvalueasmaybeprescribed.

CHAPTERXIVCITIZENSCHARTER

Citizens

charter.49.(1)Every,

(a)MinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernmentor

anybody

or

Board

or

corporation

or

authority

or

company

or

society

or

autonomous body (by whatever name called) established or

constitutedor incorporatedunder anActof Parliamentorwholly or

partlyfinancedbytheCentralGovernmentorcontrolledbyit;and

(b)everyothersocietyor associationofpersonsortrust(whether

registeredornot)whollyorpartly financedby theGovernmentor in

receiptofanysumsundertheForeignContribution(Regulation)Actor

anydonationfrompublic,

shallprepareandpublishachartertobeknownasCitizensCharterwithin

aperiodofoneyearfromthecommencementofthisAct.

(2)The

Citizens

Charter

referred

to

in

sub

section

(1)

shall

specify

to


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thecitizensthecommitmentsof,

(a)theMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment

oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsociety

orautonomous

body

or

other

society

or

association

of

persons

or

trustreferredtointhatsubsection;

(b)theofficerresponsibleformeetingsuchcommitment;and

(c)thetimewithinwhichsuchcommitmentshallbecompliedwith

alongwithotherrelevantdetailsrelatingtopublicdeliveryofservices

orfulfilmentofitsobjectives.

(3)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment

oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor

autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trust

referred to in subsection (1) shall designate an officer to be called the

PublicGrievance

Redressal

Officer

to

whom

any

aggrieved

person

may

file

acomplaintfornoncomplianceoftheCitizensCharter:



autonomousbodyorothersocietyorassociationofpersonsortrustshall

appoint at least one Public Grievance Redressal Officer in each district

whereithasanoffice.



autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trust

referredto

in

sub

section

(1)

shall

review

and

revise

its

Citizens

Charter

at

leastonceinayear.

CHAPTERXVOFFENCESANDPENALTIES

Prosecutionfor

falsecomplaint

andpaymentof

compensation,

etc.,topublic

servant.

50.(1)NotwithstandinganythingcontainedinthisAct,whoevermakesany false and frivolous or vexatious complaint under this Act shall, on

conviction,bepunishedwith imprisonmentforatermwhichshallnotbe

lessthantwoyearsbutwhichmayextendtofiveyearsandwithfinewhich

shallnotbe lessthantwentyfivethousandrupeesbutwhichmayextend

totwolakhrupees.

(2)No

Court,

except

aSpecial

Court,

shall

take

cognizance

of

an

offenceundersubsection(1).

(3)No Special Court shall take cognizance of an offence under sub

section (1) except on a complaintmade by a person againstwhom the

false,frivolousorvexatiouscomplaintwasmade.

(4)Theprosecutioninrelationtoanoffenceundersubsection(1)shall

be conductedby thepublicprosecutorandallexpenses connectedwith

suchprosecutionshallbebornebytheCentralGovernment.

(5) Incaseofconvictionofaperson[beingan individualorsocietyor

association

of

persons

or

trust

(whether

registered

or

not)],

for

having

madea falsecomplaintunder thisAct,suchpersonshallbe liabletopay


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compensation to the public servant against whom he made the false

complaintinadditiontothelegalexpensesforcontestingthecasebysuch

publicservant,astheSpecialCourtmaydetermine.

Falsecomplaint

madebysocietyor

associationof

personsor

trust.

51.(1)

Where

any

offence

under

section

50

has

been

committed

by

anysocietyor associationofpersonsortrust(whetherregisteredornot),

everypersonwho,atthetimetheoffencewascommitted,wasdirectlyin

chargeof,andwasresponsibleto,thesocietyor associationofpersonsor

trust,fortheconductofthebusinessoraffairsoractivitiesofthesociety

or associationofpersonsortrustaswellassuchsocietyor associationof

personsortrustshallbedeemedtobeguiltyoftheoffenceandshallbe

liabletobeproceededagainstandpunishedaccordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this subsection shall render any

suchpersonliabletoanypunishmentprovidedinthisAct,ifheprovesthat

the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had

exercisedall

due

diligence

to

prevent

the

commission

of

such

offence.

(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1),where an

offenceunderthisActhasbeencommittedbyasocietyor associationof

persons or trust (whether registered or not) and it is proved that the

offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is

attributabletoanyneglectonthepartof,anydirector,manager,secretary

orotherofficerof such societyor associationofpersonsor trust, such

director,manager, secretaryorotherofficer shallalsobedeemed tobe

guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and

punishedaccordingly.

CHAPTERXVIMISCELLANEOUS

Protectionof

actiontakenin

goodfaithby

anypublic

servant.

52.Nosuit,prosecutionorother legalproceedingsunderthisActshall lieagainstanypublic servant, in respectofanythingwhich isdone in good

faithor intendedtobedone inthedischargeofhisofficialfunctionsor in

exerciseofhispowers.Protectionof

actiontakenin

goodfaithby

others.

53.Nosuit,prosecutionorotherlegalproceedingsshalllieagainsttheLokpaloragainstanyofficer,employee,agencyoranyperson, inrespect

ofanythingwhichisdoneingoodfaithorintendedtobedoneunderthis

Act.

Members,

officersand

employeesof

Lokpaltobe

publicservants.

54. The Chairperson,Members, officers and other employees of theLokpalshallbedeemed,whenactingorpurportingtoact inpursuanceof

anyoftheprovisionsofthisAct,tobepublicservantswithinthemeaning

ofsection21oftheIndianPenalCode. 45of1860.Barof

Jurisdiction.55.Nocivilcourtshallhavejurisdictioninrespectofanymatterwhich

theLokpalisempoweredbyorunderthisActtodetermine.Acttohave

overriding

effect.

56. The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstandinganything inconsistent therewith contained in any enactment other than

this Act or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any enactment

otherthanthisAct.Provisionofthis

Acttobein57. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, and not in


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additionof

otherlaws.derogationof,anyotherlawforthetimebeinginforce.

Amendmentof

certain

enactments.

58. The enactments specified in the Second Schedule shall beamendedinthemannerspecifiedtherein.

Powertomake

rules.59. (1) The Central Governmentmay, by notification in the Official

Gazette,makerulestocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the

foregoing power, such rulesmay provide for all or any of the following

matters,namely:

(a)thetermofthesearchcommittee,feeandallowancespayableto

itsmembersandthemannerofselectionofpanelofnamesundersub

section(5)ofsection4;

(b)the

procedure

of

inquiry

into

misbehaviour

for

removal

of

the

ChairpersonoranyotherMemberundersubsection(1)ofsection8;

(c) thepostorposts in respectofwhich theappointment shallbe

made after consultation with the Union Public Service Commission

undertheprovisotosubsection(1)ofsection11;

(d)othermatters forwhich the Lokpal shallhave thepowersofa

civilcourtunderclause(vi)ofsubsection(1)ofsection30;

(e) themannerofsendingtheorderofattachmentalongwiththe

materialtotheSpecialCourtundersubsection(2)ofsection33;

(f)

the

manner

of

transmitting

the

letter

of

request

under

sub

section(2)ofsection39;

(g) themanner ofmaking reference to the Chief Justice of India

undersubsection(3)ofsection40;

(h)the formandthe time forpreparing ineach financialyear the

budgetforthenextfinancialyear,showingtheestimatedreceiptsand

expenditureoftheLokpalundersection43;

(i)theformformaintainingtheaccountsandotherrelevantrecords

andtheformofannualstatementofaccountsundersubsection(1)of

section45;

(j)the

form

and

manner

and

the

time

for

preparing

the

returns

and

statementsalongwithparticularsundersubsection(1)ofsection46;

(k) the formand the time forpreparinganannual report givinga

summaryofitsactivitiesduringthepreviousyearundersubsection(2)

ofsection46;

(l) the formofannual return tobe filedbyapublic servantunder

subsection(5)ofsection47;

(m) theminimum value for which the competent authoritymay

condone or exempt a public servant from furnishing information in

respectofassetsundertheprovisotosection48;


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(n)anyothermatterwhichistobeormaybeprescribed.

PowerofLokpal

tomake

regulations.

60. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules madethereunder, theLokpalmay,bynotification in theOfficialGazette,make

regulationsto

carry

out

the

provisions

of

this

Act.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the

foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the

followingmatters,namely:

(a)theconditionsofserviceofthesecretaryandotherofficersand

staffof the Lokpaland thematterswhich in so faras they relate to

salaries, allowances, leave or pensions, require the approval of the

Presidentundersubsection(2)ofsection11;

(b)theplaceofsittingsofbenchesoftheLokpalunderclause(f)of

subsection(1)ofsection19;

(c) the manner for displaying on the website of the Lokpal, the

statusofallcomplaintspendingordisposedofalongwithrecordsand

evidencewithreferencetheretoundersubsection(13)ofsection23;

(d) the manner and procedure of conducting an inquiry or

investigationundersubsection(15)ofsection23;

(e)anyothermatterwhich is required tobe,ormaybe, specified

underthisAct.

Layingofrules

andregulations.61.EveryruleandregulationmadeunderthisActshallbelaid,assoon

asmaybeafter it ismade,beforeeachHouseofParliament,whileit isin

session,for

atotal

period

of

thirty

days

which

may

be

comprised

in

one

sessionor intwoormoresuccessivesessions,andif,beforetheexpiryof

the session immediately following the sessionor the successive sessions

aforesaid, bothHouses agree inmaking anymodification in the rule or

regulation,orbothHousesagreethattheruleorregulationshouldnotbe

made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such

modifiedformorbeofnoeffect,asthecasemaybe;so,however,thatany

suchmodificationorannulmentshallbewithoutprejudicetothevalidity

ofanythingpreviouslydoneunderthatruleorregulation.

Powerto

remove

difficulties.

62. (1) Ifanydifficultyarises ingivingeffect to theprovisionsof thisAct, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official

Gazette,makesuchprovisionsnot inconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisAct,asmayappeartobenecessaryforremovingthedifficulty:

Providedthatnosuchordershallbemadeunderthissectionafterthe

expiryofaperiodoftwoyearsfromthecommencementofthisAct.

(2)Everyordermadeunderthissectionshallbelaid,assoonasmaybe

afteritismade,beforeeachHouseofParliament.

THEFIRSTSCHEDULE[Seesection3(5)]

I,A.B

having

been

appointed

Chairperson

(or

a

Member)of the Lokpal,do swear in thenameofGod / solemnlyaffirm


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3

over them. The bill, therefore, provides that the vigilance machinery and the grievance

redressal machinery also be brought under the supervisory control of an independent

Lokpal.

Article 7 (4) of UNCAC provides that each state party shall, in accordance with the

fundamental principles of their local law, endeavour to adopt, maintain and strengthen

systems that promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interests. These are the

principles on the basis of which powers of investigation and prosecution for corruption,

enquiry and punishment for misconduct are required to be entrusted to an independent

authority which would have no conflict of interests.

Article 8 (2) of UNCAC provides that in particular, each state party shall endeavour to

apply within its own institutional and legal systems, codes or standards of conduct for

the correct, honourable and proper performance of public functions. In accordance

with these principles, the bill provides that each public authority shall prescribe a

citizens charter for the performance of its public functions for which it would be held

accountable to the independent Lokpal authority.

Article 8 (5) of the UNCAC provides that each state party shall endaevour, where

appropriate and in accordance with the fundamental principles of its domestic laws, to

establish measures and systems requiring public officials to make declarations to

appropriate authorities regarding, inter-alia, their outside activities, employment,

investment, assets and substantial gifts or benefits from which a conflict of interest may

result with respect to their functions as public officials.

Article 8 (6) provides that each state party shall consider taking, in accordance with the

fundamental principles of its domestic law, disciplinary or other measures against public

officials who violate the codes or standards established in accordance with this Article.


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Article 12 dealing with the private sector obliges each state party to take measures for

promoting transparency amongst private entities, including where appropriate,

measures regarding the identity of legal and natural persons involved in the

establishment and management of corporate entities; preventing the misuse of

procedures regulating private entities including procedures regarding subsidies and

licenses granted by public authorities for commercial activities; preventing conflicts of

interests by imposing restrictions as appropriate and for a reasonable period of time, on

the professional activities of former public officials or on the employment of public

officials by the private sector after their resignation or retirement, where such activities

or employment relate directly to the functions held or supervised by those public

officials during their tenure.

Article 13 of the UNCAC dealing with participation of society provides each state party

shall take appropriate measures within its means and in accordance with the

fundamental principles of its domestic law to promote the active participation of

individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, non-government

organizations and community based organizations in the prevention of and the fight

against corruption and to raise public awareness regarding the existence, causes andgravity of and the threat posed by corruption. This participation shall be strengthened

by such measures as: enhancing the transparency of and promoting the contribution of

the public to decision making processes; ensuring that the public has effective access to

information.

Article 34 of UNCAC provides that with due regard to the rights of third parties,

acquired in good faith, each state party shall take measures, in accordance with thefundamental principles of its domestic laws, to address consequences of corruption. In

this context, state parties may consider corruption a relevant factor in legal proceedings

to annul or rescind a contract, withdraw a concession or other similar instrument or

take any other remedial action.


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In accordance with all the above principles enunciated in the UNCAC, the powers of

investigation and prosecution of public officials for corruption and disciplinary action for

corruption against government officials are sought to be brought under an independent

Lokpal authority. In addition, violation of the citizens charter which is akin to a code of

conduct, would also be enquired into by the vigilance machinery under the Lokpal.

Other ancillary powers such as freezing of assets acquired by public servants by corrupt

means are also sought to be conferred on this authority. The integrity of the authority

and the anti-corruption/vigilance machinery under its control is sought to be achieved

by mandating transparency in its functioning and public participation, wherever

possible. The accountability of the Lokpal itself would be to the Supreme Court, which

would have the authority to enquire into and order the removal of members of the

Lokpal. The officials under the Lokpal will be accountable to independent complaints

authorities apart from the Lokpal itself. Judicial review over the actions of the Lokpal by

the High Courts under Article 226 and the Supreme Court under Article 32 and 136

would further ensure the accountability of the Lokpal.

Lokpal Bills have been successively introduced in Parliament for the last 42 years butaborted each time for various reasons. An effective, independent and empowered

Lokpal institution is a need for which the country cannot wait any longer. This Bill seeks

to achieve this objective.


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JAN LOKPAL BILL 2011

A Bill to establish an independent authority to investigate offences under the

Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 to detect corruption by expeditious investigation

and to prosecute offenders and to ensure timely redressal of certain types of public

grievances and to provide protection to whistleblowers.

Be it be enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-first Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

1. (1) This Act may be called the Jan Lokpal Act, 2011.

(2) It shall come into force on 120th

day of its securing assent from the

President of India.

2. Definitions:

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:-

(a) Board means the Chairman and the other members of the Lokpal Collectively.

(b) Complaint means an allegation of corruption or a request by whistleblower for

protection and appropriate action.

(c ) Lokpal means and includes,

(i) Benches constituted under this Act and performing functions under thisAct;

(ii) Any officer or employee performing under this Act,

(iii) The Board in rest of the cases;


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8

iii) by notification issued or order made by the Government, and includes

any body owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Government;

(l) Public servant shall have the same meaning as defined in section 2(c) of

Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.

(m) Whistleblower means any person, who provides information about corruption

in a public authority or is a witness or victim in that case or who faces the threat

of

(i) professional harm, including but not limited to illegitimate transfer,

denial of promotion, denial of appropriate perquisites, departmental

proceedings, discrimination or

(ii) physical harm, or

(iii) is actually subjected to any harm;

because of either making a complaint to the Lokpal under this Act, or for filing an

application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 or by any other legal; action

aimed at preventing or exposing corruption or mal-governance.

3. Notwithstanding anything in any other Act or Law the provisions of this Act shall

prevail and to the extent that the provisions of this Act are repugnant to any otherprovision in any other Act or law, the provisions in other Acts or laws shall stand

amended to the extent of such repugnancy.

CHAPTER II

ESTABLISHMENT OF LOKPAL

4. (1) Immediately after the commencement of this Act, the Central Government by a

Notification shall establish an institution known as Lokpal, who would have

administrative, financial and functional independence from the government.


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(2) The Lokpal shall consist of a Chairperson and 10 other members and various

officers under them at different levels to perform such functions as are assigned

to them under this Act.

(3) The Chairperson and the 10 members of the Lokpal shall be appointed by the

President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

(4) The following shall not be eligible to become Chairperson or Member of Lokpal:

(a) Any person, who is not a citizen of India, or(b)Any person, against whom charges were ever framed by any court of law for

any offence involving moral turpitude, or

(c) Any person, who is less than 45 years in age, or(d)Any person, who was in the service of any government and has remitted

office within the last two years, either by way of resignation or retirement.

(5) At least four members of Lokpal shall have a legal background.

Explanation: Legal Background means that the person should have held a

judicial office in the territory of India for at least ten years or should have been

an advocate in a High Court or the Supreme Court for at least fifteen years.

(6) The Selection Committee shall consist of the following:-

(i) The Prime Minister of India, who will be the Chairperson of the SelectionCommittee.

(ii) The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha

(iii) Two judges of Supreme Court of India and two permanent Chief Justices

of the High Courts selected by collegium of all Supreme Court judges

(v) The Chief Election Commissioner of India

(vi) The Comptroller & Auditor General of India

(vii) All previous Chairpersons of Lokpal.(7) The Selection Committee shall select the Chairperson and the other members of

the Lokpal from out of a short list prepared by the Search Committee. The

Chairperson shall be a person with extensive knowledge of law.


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(8) A Search Committee shall consist of 10 members. 5 of its members shall be

selected by the Selection Committee from amongst the retired Chief Justices of

India, the retired Chief Election Commissioners and the retired Comptroller and

Auditor Generals with impeccable reputation of integrity, who have not joined

any political party after retirement and who are not holding any office under any

government. The 5 members so selected shall, through consensus, co-opt

another 5 members from the Civil Society in the search committee.

(9) The Search Committee before preparing the short list will invite nominations

from such eminent individuals or such class of people, whom they deem fit, for

the position of Chairperson or the members of the Lokpal.

(10) Only persons with impeccable integrity and record of public service particularly

in the field of fighting corruption shall be eligible for being considered for

nomination.

(11) The recommendations about nominees should, interalia, contain details of any

allegations faced by that candidate under any law, details of his work against

corruption in the past, reasons why that person is suitable for the job and any other

material that the search committee may decide.

(12) The search committee, using any other means, shall collect as much informationabout the background and past achievements of these candidates.

(13) Such nominations as are received shall be put on a web site for inviting

comments from the people with regard to the suitability or otherwise of the

nominees.

(14) The Search Committee after taking into consideration the

comments/information received from the public shall prepare, preferably through

consensus, the short list of 3 times the number of persons to be appointed asmembers of the Lokpal.

(15) Any nominations to which objections are raised by any 3 members of the Search

Committee shall not be included in the short list.


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(16) Before sending the short list to the Selection Committee, the Search Committee

will get the names of the short listed persons put on a public web site to enable

people to send any relevant information/comments about the shortlisted persons.

(17) The Selection Committee shall, after considering all relevant information about

the short listed candidates, select the required number of persons preferably through

consensus. However, a person shall not be selected if 3 members of the Selection

Committee disapprove such names.

(18) The Selection Committee after selecting the persons to be appointed as

members or Chairperson of the Lokpal shall ascertain their willingness to serve as

members or Chairperson, as the case may

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Govt Lokpal vs Jan Lok Pal Bill

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