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Polity & Governance2025
Consider the following statements about Lokpal: I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India. II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the 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 the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation

The correct option is III only. Statement III accurately reflects the provision that mandates a minimum age of forty-five years for the Chairperson or Members of the Lokpal, aligning with the constitutional requirement for such positions to ensure experienced leadership. In contrast, Statement I is incorrect because Lokpal's jurisdiction does extend to public servants abroad, Statement II mistakenly restricts the Chairperson to the Chief Justice of India (it can also include retired judges), and Statement IV is incorrect as the Lokpal can indeed investigate allegations against a sitting Prime Minister in certain circumstances, especially post-tenure for actions not related to parliamentary proceedings. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the structure and functions of anti-corruption bodies in Indian governance.

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