What is Lokpal and Lokayuktas?

The Lokpal is India's national anti-corruption ombudsman, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Group A, B, C, and D officers of the Central Government. Lokayuktas are the state-level counterparts, though their structure and powers vary across states.

The demand for a Lokpal dates back to 1963, when the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) under Morarji Desai recommended its creation. Eight Lokpal Bills were introduced in Parliament between 1968 and 2011 but failed to pass. The Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement of 2011 provided the decisive push, and the Act was finally passed in December 2013. However, the first Lokpal Chairperson — Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose — was appointed only in March 2019, six years after the Act.

The current Lokpal Chairperson is Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar, appointed on 10 March 2024. The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson (who is or has been a Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge) and up to 8 members (half judicial, half non-judicial). In 2025-26, the Lokpal logged 389 corruption complaints, showing an upward trend from previous years.

The Lokpal's jurisdiction extends to the Prime Minister (with safeguards — a full bench of at least two-thirds must approve any inquiry, and matters relating to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy, and space are excluded). It also covers Ministers, Members of Parliament, Group A, B, C, and D officers of the Central Government, and any person involved in abetting corruption. Lokayuktas at the state level vary significantly — some states like Karnataka (established 1984) have historically strong Lokayuktas with suo motu powers, while others have weak or dormant institutions. The Act mandates that every public servant must file annual declarations of assets and liabilities with the competent authority.

Key Features

# Feature Details
1 Statutory Basis Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
2 Jurisdiction PM (with safeguards), Ministers, MPs, Group A-D central officers
3 Composition Chairperson + up to 8 members (50% judicial, 50% non-judicial)
4 Selection Committee PM, Speaker, Leader of Opposition, CJI (or nominee), eminent jurist
5 First Chairperson Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose (March 2019)
6 Current Chairperson Justice A.M. Khanwilkar (appointed 10 March 2024)
7 PM Jurisdiction Can inquire into PM's conduct, except on foreign affairs, security, and atomic energy
8 State Level Lokayuktas — states mandated to establish within 1 year of the Act
9 Asset Declaration All public servants must file annual asset/liability declarations
10 Complaints (2025-26) 389 complaints logged; rising trend from 166 in 2023-24

Current Status / Latest Data

  • 2025-26: Lokpal logged 389 complaints, up from 292 in 2024-25 and 166 in 2023-24, showing a rising trend in public engagement.
  • A Prosecution Wing was created in 2025, operationalising a crucial arm for independent legal action — a long-overdue reform.
  • An Inquiry Wing was also formed in September 2024, enabling the Lokpal to conduct preliminary inquiries independently.
  • The Lokpal celebrated its first Foundation Day in January 2025.
  • Staffing challenges persist: an approval for 81 posts on deputation was publicised in July 2025; parliamentary panel sought details on operationalisation of inquiry and prosecution wings.
  • State-level gaps: The Odisha Lokayukta went effectively non-functional in 2024-25 due to vacancies; many states still lack effective Lokayukta institutions despite the statutory mandate.
  • The Lokpal has faced criticism for disposing of most complaints without substantive action, with a sharp fall from 2,469 complaints in 2022-23 to 233 in one period, raising concerns about public confidence.
  • Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have relatively more active Lokayukta institutions, while several states have weak or non-functional bodies.
  • The Act mandates public servants to declare assets and liabilities, but enforcement and compliance monitoring remain weak.

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

  • Lokpal Act passed in December 2013; first Chairperson (Justice P.C. Ghose) appointed in March 2019
  • Selection Committee: PM + Speaker + LoP + CJI/nominee + eminent jurist
  • Lokpal can investigate PM, but not on matters of foreign affairs, security, and atomic energy (and only if 2/3 of full bench approves)
  • States must establish Lokayuktas within 1 year of the Act (many have not complied)
  • First ARC (1966) under Morarji Desai recommended the Lokpal institution
  • The Anna Hazare movement (2011) was the catalyst for the Act's passage
  • Current Chairperson: Justice A.M. Khanwilkar (since March 2024)

Mains: Probable Themes

  1. Evaluate the performance of the Lokpal institution since its operationalisation in 2019
  2. "The Lokpal was born out of public outrage but has become a paper tiger." Critically examine
  3. Discuss the structural and operational challenges facing the Lokpal and suggest reforms
  4. Compare the Lokpal with anti-corruption ombudsmen in other democracies (Sweden, Hong Kong ICAC)

Sources: Lokpal Official Website, Daily Pioneer — Lokpal Logs 389 Complaints in 2025-26, Insights on India — Lokpal