Question
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 Parliament or State Legislature, and only the Chief Justice of India can 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.
IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement I — Incorrect.
The Lokpal’s jurisdiction extends to all public servants, including those posted outside India. Hence, excluding them makes the statement wrong.
Statement II — Incorrect.
The Chairperson cannot be an MP/MLA, but it is not necessary that only the Chief Justice of India be appointed. The Chairperson can also be a former Supreme Court Judge or an eminent person.
Statement III — Correct.
As per the Act, the Chairperson or Member must be at least 45 years of age at the time of assuming office.
Statement IV — Incorrect.
Lokpal can inquire into allegations against a sitting Prime Minister, though with certain safeguards and restrictions.
Thus, only Statement III is correct.