The Foundation Day celebration of the Lokpal of India was held on 16th January 2025. The day marked a significant occasion, commemorating the establishment of the anti-corruption body under Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which came into force on 16th January 2014. The event was held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, with the Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, as the chief guest.
Key Highlights:
- Significance of Lokpal:
- Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Chairperson of Lokpal, emphasized the body’s origins in a transformative civil society movement demanding an ombudsman to combat corruption.
- He noted the evolving challenges due to the increasing complexity of corruption involving politicians, bureaucrats, and business interests.
- Justice Khanwilkar reiterated Lokpal’s role as a “vital instrumentality” in eradicating corruption from public offices.
- Address by the Chief Justice of India:
- Justice Sanjiv Khanna highlighted that Lokpal upholds essential democratic principles of ethics, accountability, and transparency.
- He described Lokpal as a crucial institution providing an antidote to corruption, a menace affecting democracies worldwide.
- The Chief Justice underscored the importance of public trust in Lokpal’s independence, objectivity, and performance, urging citizens to engage in reporting corruption.
- Coordination with Other Bodies:
- Justice Khanna emphasized the need for smooth coordination between Lokpal and other bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for effective anti-corruption measures.
- The CVC Act, 2003, mandates the appointment of a Director of Inquiry for preliminary investigations referred by Lokpal.
- Historical Perspective:
- Although the Lokpal Act was enacted in 2013, the country’s first Lokpal, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh, was appointed only on 19th March 2019.
- Justice Ghosh served until May 2022, after which Justice (Retd.) A.M. Khanwilkar was appointed as the second Lokpal in March 2024.
- Time Frame for Complaints:
- Complaints under the Lokpal Act can only be entertained if filed within seven years from the date of the alleged offence, as per Section 53 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
