SC Asks Centre to Inform in 10 Days Time Frame for Appointing Lokpal: As It Happened

Supreme Court of India has reprimanded central govt. over delay in appointment of Lokpal. SC has expressed dissatisfaction over govt. S stand on completing appointment of Lokpal. Court stressed that even absence of recognised Leader of Opposition (LoP) does not hinder appointment of Lokpal.

SC Asks Centre to Inform in 10 Days Time Frame

Background

  • Court was hearing contempt petition filed by NGO Common Cause, which had raised issue of non-appointment of ombudsman despite apex court՚s verdict on 27th April, 2017.
  • Supreme Court՚s April 2017 verdict clearly stated that there was no justification to keep enforcement of Lokpal Act suspended till proposed amendments were cleared by Parliament.
  • Top court said that amendments proposed to Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013, & views of Parliamentary Standing Committee were attempts to streamline working of Act & do not pose legal hindrances or bar its enforcement.

What is Lokpal?

  • Lokpal is central governing body that has jurisdiction over all members of parliament & central govt. employees in case of corruption.
  • Lokpal is ombudsman to protect common man from corruption in public service & power centres.
  • Lokayukta is similar to Lokpal, but functions on state level.
  • Govt. failed to appoint Lokpal despite April 2017 judgment by Supreme Court.
  • Supreme Court has sent across timely message that efforts to cleanse economy must be matched by equally strong measures to cleanse public life too.
  • Main function of Lokpal & Lokayukta are -
  • to address complaints of corruption,
  • to make inquiries, investigations, &
  • to conduct trials for case on respective state & central govt.
  • to help in curbing corruption in central & state govt.
Long Drawn Debate

Issue of Lokpal Appointment

  • According to Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013,5-member panel to select anti-corruption ombudsman, comprising PM, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India & eminent jurist.
  • Post leader of opposition is not recognised, as no party (other than ruling party) secured 10% of total seats in Loksabha & it is main reason behind delay in appointment.
  • Only reason for delay in appointment of Lokpal is that minor amendment to Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to enable leader of largest party in opposition in Lok Sabha to join 5-member selection committee, is yet to be passed.
  • Parliamentary committee has endorsed amendment, which is on same lines as mechanism for selection panels for Central Vigilance Commissioner & Chief Information Commissioner.

Examrace Team at Aug 22, 2021