Lokpal Day to be Observed on January 16

January 2, 2025

The Lokpal of India has designated January 16 as “Lokpal Day”. This decision was made during a meeting on March 14, 2024. The first commemoration is scheduled for January 16, 2025. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will be the chief guest at this inaugural event. The event will take place at Zorawar Auditorium, Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

Significance of Lokpal Day

Lokpal Day marks the establishment of the Lokpal of India. The observance aims to promote awareness about the Lokpal’s role in enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.

Inaugural Event Details

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will arrive alongside other dignitaries. The gathering will include judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts, legal service authorities, and heads of investigative agencies. The event will also feature the felicitation of notable individuals for their contributions to justice and public service.

What is Lokpal?

Lokpal is a national-level institution that investigates and addresses corruption among public officials in India. It acts as an “Ombudsman” body, handling complaints of corruption and grievances.

History and Genesis:

In the 1960s, the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended the creation of Lokpal and Lokayukta.
The concept of an ombudsman in India was first proposed by Ashok Kumar Sen, and the term “Lokpal” was coined by Dr. L. M. Singhvi in 1963.
Lokpal Bill was passed in 1968 but lapsed; it was repeatedly introduced and finally became law in 2013 after the Anna Hazare movement.

Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013:

Selection Committee: Includes the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist.
Jurisdiction: Includes Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, and government employees.
Composition: Lokpal has a chairperson and up to 8 members (half judicial), with a focus on diversity (SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and women).
Powers: Lokpal has superintendence over investigative agencies like CBI and can direct investigations.
Foreign Donations: Jurisdiction includes donations over Rs. 10 lakh under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

Amendment in 2016:

Allowed the largest opposition leader to be part of the selection committee if the Leader of Opposition is absent.
Modified rules regarding the reporting of assets and liabilities by public officials.

Structure of the Lokpal Body

The Lokpal of India consists of a Chairperson and six members. Justice A. M. Khanwilkar is the second Chairperson, having taken office on March 10, 2024. The body was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which aims to combat corruption in public offices.

Lokpal was established on January 16, 2014.
Anna Hazare is a prominent anti-corruption activist.
The Lokpal Act was enacted in 2013.
Justice N. Santosh Hegde served on the Supreme Court.
The Zorawar Auditorium is located in Delhi Cantt.

Future of Lokpal

The Lokpal aims to strengthen its role in combating corruption. It will focus on enhancing public awareness and engagement. Future initiatives may include outreach programmes and collaborations with various stakeholders. The goal is to encourage a culture of accountability in public service.

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