UPSC Prelims 2025 · Question 58 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2025 question on Lokpal Powers
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2025
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicConstitutional Bodies
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
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?
Show answer
Answer: A. III only
Verdict
Only Statement III is correct → Option (a).
Statement by statement
Statement I – INCORRECT: Section 14(1)(f) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 expressly includes within its ambit any individual who is or has been a director, manager, secretary, or other officer of a society, association of persons, or trust receiving substantial foreign contributions or domestic donations — regardless of where they are located. The Act covers all categories of public servants as defined, including those serving under the Union Government, whether posted within India or abroad. Hence Statement I is not correct.
Statement II – INCORRECT: This statement is partially correct but ultimately flawed. While Section 3(3)(a) bars Members of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures from serving as Chairperson or Members of the Lokpal, the second part is overly restrictive. According to Section 3(2)(a), the Chairperson can be a current or former Chief Justice of India, a former Supreme Court Judge, or an eminent person of impeccable integrity with at least 25 years of experience in anti-corruption policy, public administration, law, or management. Hence Statement II is not correct.
Statement III – CORRECT: As per Section 3(3)(c) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, a person must be at least 45 years old on the date of assuming office to be eligible for appointment as either the Chairperson or a Member of the Lokpal. Hence Statement III is correct.
Statement IV – INCORRECT: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 does bring the Prime Minister under its jurisdiction. The Lokpal is empowered to inquire into allegations against a sitting Prime Minister, subject to procedural safeguards under Section 14(1)(a). Hence Statement IV is not correct.