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THELOKPALBILL,2011ARRANGEMENTOFCLAUSES
CHAPTERI
PRELIMINARY1. Shorttitleandcommencement.
2. Definitions.
CHAPTERIIESTABLISHMENTOFLOKPAL
3. Establishment ofLokpal.
4. AppointmentofchairpersonandotherMembersandSelectionCommittee.
5. FillingofvacanciesofChairpersonorotherMembers.
6. TermofofficeandotherconditionsofserviceofChairpersonandMembers.
7. Salary,allowancesandotherconditionsofserviceofChairpersonandMembers.
8. RemovalandsuspensionofChairpersonandotherMemberofLokpal.
9. RestrictiononemploymentbyChairpersonandMembersafterceasingtoholdoffice.
10. MembertoactasChairpersonortodischargehisfunctionsincertaincircumstances.
11. Secretary,otherOfficersandstaffofLokpal.
CHAPTERIIIINVESTIGATIONWING
12. InvestigationWing.
13. Investigationofficertohavepowersofpolice.
14. InvestigationofficertoinquireondirectionofLokpal.
CHAPTERIVPROSECUTIONWING
15. AppointmentofProsecutionDirector.
CHAPTERVEXPENSESOFINSTITUTIONOFLOKPALTOBECHARGEDON
CONSOLIDATEDFUNDOFINDIA16. ExpensesofLokpaltobechargedonConsolidatedFundofIndia.
CHAPTERVIJURISDICTIONINRESPECTOFINQUIRY
17. JurisdictionofLokpal.
18. MatterspendingbeforeanycourtorcommitteeorauthoritybeforeinquirybeforeLokpalnottobe
affected.
19. Constitution ofbenchesofLokpal.
20. DistributionofbusinessamongstBenches
21. PowerofChairpersontotransfercases
22. Decisiontobebymajority.
CHAPTERVIIPROCEDUREINRESPECTOFINQUIRYANDINVESTIGATION
23. Provisionsrelatingtocomplaintsandinquiryandinvestigation.
24. Personslikelytobeprejudiciallyaffectedtobeheard.
25. Lokpalmayrequireanypublicservantoranyotherpersontofurnishinformation,etc.
26. Previoussanctionnotnecessaryforinvestigation andinitiatingprosecutionbyLokpalincertaincases.27. ActiononinquiryinrelationtopublicservantsnotbeingminstersorMembersofParliament.
28. ActiononinquiryagainstpublicservantbeingministersorMembersofParliament.
CHAPTERVIIIPOWERSOFLOKPAL
29. Searchandseizure.
30. Lokpaltohavepowersofcivilcourtincertaincases.
31. Powertopunishforcontempt.
32. PowerofLokpaltoutiliseservicesofofficersofCentralorStateGovernment.
33. Provisionalattachmentofassets.
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34. Confirmationofattachmentofassets.
35. PowerofLokpaltorecommenddiscontinuance ofactivityconnectedwithallegationofcorruption.
36. PowerofLokpaltogivedirectionstopreventdestructionofrecordsduringinquiry.
37. Powertodelegate.
CHAPTERIXSPECIALCOURTS
38. SpecialCourtstobenotifiedbyCentralGovernment.
39. LetterofrequesttoacontractingStateincertaincases.
CHAPTERXCOMPLAINTSAGAINSTCHAIRPERSON, MEMBERSANDOFFICIALSOFLOKPAL
40. ComplaintsagainstChairpersonandMembersnottobeinquiredbyLokpal.
41. ComplaintsagainstofficialsofLokpal.
CHAPTERXIASSESSMENTOFLOSSANDRECOVERYTHEREOFBYSPECIALCOURT
42. AssessmentoflossandrecoverythereofbySpecialCourt.
CHAPTERXIIFINANCE,ACCOUNTSANDAUDIT
43. Budget.
44. GrantsbyCentralGovernment.
45. Annualstatementofaccounts.
46. Furnishingofreturns,etc.,toCentralGovernment.
CHAPTERXIIIDECLARATIONOFASSETS
47. Declarationofassets.
48. Presumptionastoacquisitionofassetsbycorruptmeansincertaincases.
CHAPTERXIVCITIZENSCHARTER
49. Citizenscharter.
CHAPTERXVOFFENCESANDPENALTIES
50. Prosecutionforfalsecomplaintandpaymentofcompensation, etc.,topublicservant.
51. Falsecomplaintmadebysocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust.
CHAPTERXVIMISCELLANEOUS
52. Protectionofactiontakeningoodfaithbyanypublicservant.
53. Protectionofactiontakeningoodfaithbyothers.
54. Members,officersandemployeesofLokpaltobepublicservants.
55. BarofJurisdiction.
56. Acttohaveoverridingeffect.
57. ProvisionofthisActtobeinadditionofotherlaws.
58. Amendmentofcertainenactments.
59. Powertomakerules.
60. PowerofLokpaltomakeregulations.61. Layingofrulesandregulations.
62. Powertoremovedifficulties.
THEFIRSTSCHEDULE
THESECONDSCHEDULE
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THELOKPALBILL,2011
A
BILL
toprovidefortheestablishmentofthe institutionofLokpaltoinquireintoallegations of corruption against certainpublicfunctionaries andformattersconnectedtherewith.
WHEREAStheConstitutionofIndiaestablishedademocraticRepublictoensurejusticeforall;
AND WHEREAS good governance is the bedrock of democracy and the
guaranteeofdevelopmentasarightofthecitizen;
AND WHEREAS Parliament has progressively and incrementally
contributed to the body of law to fulfil the aspirations of the citizens ofIndia;
AND WHEREASvarious institutionsofgovernanceaswellas democratic
institutionshaveworkedtostrengthenparticipatorydemocracy;
ANDWHEREAStherapidgrowthofdemocraticandeconomicinstitutions
havebroughtnewchallengesofaccountability andintegrityinthecourse
ofgovernance;
AND WHEREAS graft and corruption have become a serious menace to
societyandgovernance;
AND WHEREAS serious concerns have been expressed about the grave
consequencesofcorruptioninhighplaces;
AND WHEREAS India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention
AgainstCorruption;
AND WHEREAS the countrys commitment to clean and responsive
governance has to be reflected in an effective institution to contain and
punishactsofcorruption;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is expedient to provide for prompt and fair
investigationandprosecutionofcasesofcorruption.
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BEitenactedbyParliamentintheSixtysecondYearoftheRepublicof
Indiaasfollows:
CHAPTERIPRELIMINARY
1.(1)ThisActmaybecalledtheLokpalAct,2011. (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government
may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates
maybeappointedfordifferentprovisionsofthisActandanyreferencein
any provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as
referencetothecomingintoforceofthatprovision.
Shorttitleand
commencement.
2.(1)InthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires, Definitions. (a)"Bench"meansaBenchoftheLokpal;
(b)ChairpersonmeanstheChairpersonoftheLokpal;
(c)competentauthority,inrelationto
(i) a member of the Council of Ministers, means the Prime
Minister;
(ii) a member of Parliament other than a Minister means the
CouncilofStates in thecaseofamemberof that Council and the
HouseofthePeopleinthecaseofamemberofthatHouse;
(iii) an officer in the Ministry or Department of the Central
Government means the Minister in charge of the Ministry or
Departmentunderwhichsuchofficerisserving;
(iv) a chairperson or members of any body, or Board or
corporation or authority or company or society or autonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled)establishedorconstitutedunderan
Act of Parliament or wholly or partly financed by the Central
GovernmentorcontrolledbyitmeanstheMinisterinchargeofthe
administrative Ministry of such body, or Board or corporation orauthorityorcompanyorsocietyorautonomousbody;
(v)anofficerofanybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityor
companyorsocietyorautonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled)
establishedorconstitutedunderanActofParliamentorwhollyor
partlyfinancedbytheCentralGovernmentorcontrolledbyitmeans
the head of such body or Board or corporation or authority or
companyorsocietyorautonomousbody;(d)complaintmeansacomplaintallegingthatapublicservanthas
committedanoffencepunishableunderthePreventionofCorruption
Act,1988;
(e)inquirymeansevery inquiry conductedunder this Actby the
Lokpal;
(f) Judicial Member means a Judicial Member of the Lokpal
appointedassuch;
49of1988.
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(g)Lokpalmeanstheinstitutionestablishedundersection3;
(h)MembermeansaMemberoftheLokpal;
(i) Minister means an Union Minister but does not include thePrimeMinister;
(j)notificationmeansnotificationpublishedintheOfficialGazetteandtheexpressionnotifyshallbeconstruedaccordingly;
(k)prescribedmeansprescribedbyrulesmadeunderthisAct;
(l)publicservantmeansapersonreferredto inclauses(a)to(e)
ofsubsection(1)ofsection17;
(m)regulationsmeansregulationsmadeunderthisAct;
(n)SchedulemeansaScheduletothisAct;
(o) Special Court means a Special Court appointed under sub
section(1)ofsection3ofthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.
49of1988.
(2)Wordsandexpressionsusedhereinandnotdefined inthisAct
but defined in the Prevention ofCorruptionAct,1988, shallhave the
meaningsrespectivelyassignedtotheminthatAct.
CHAPTERIIESTABLISHMENTOFLOKPAL
3. (1) As from the commencement of this Act, there shall beestablished, for thepurpose of making inquiries in respect ofcomplaints
madeunderthisAct,aninstitutiontobecalledtheLokpal.
(2)TheLokpalshallconsistof
(a)aChairperson;and
(b) ten Members, out of whom at least four shall be Judicial
Members.
Establishmentof
Lokpal.
(3)Apersonshallbeeligibletobeappointed, (a)astheChairpersonoraMemberifheisapersonofimpeccable
integrity,outstandingabilityandstandinghavingspecialknowledgeof,
andprofessionalexperienceofnotlessthantwentyfiveyearsin,public
affairs, administrative law and policy, academics, commerce and
industry,law,financeormanagement;
(b)asaJudicialMemberifheisorhasbeenaChiefJusticeofaHigh
CourtoraJudgeoftheSupremeCourt.
(4)TheChairpersonoraMembershallnotbeamemberofParliament
oramemberoftheLegislatureofanyStateorUnionterritoryandshallnot
holdanyofficeoftrustorprofit(otherthanhisofficeastheChairpersonor
a Member) or be connected with any political party or carry on any
businessorpractiseanyprofessionandaccordingly,beforeheentersupon
hisoffice,apersonappointedastheChairpersonoraMember,asthecase
maybe,shall,if
(a)heisamemberofParliamentoroftheLegislatureofanyState
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orUnionterritory,resignfromsuchmembership;or
(b)heholdsanyofficeoftrustorprofit,resignfromsuchoffice;or
(c) he is connected with any political party, sever his connection
withit;or
(d) he is carrying on any business, sever his connection with the
conductandmanagementofsuchbusiness;or
(e) he is practicing any profession, cease to practise such
profession.
(5)TheChairpersonandeveryMembershall,beforeenteringuponhisoffice,makeandsubscribebeforethePresidentanoathoraffirmationin
theformsetoutintheFirstSchedule.
Appointmentof
Chairperson
andother
Membersand
SelectionCommittee.
4. (1) The Chairperson and Members shall be appointed by thePresidentafterobtainingtherecommendationsofaSelectionCommittee
consistingof
(a)thePrimeMinisterchairperson;
(b)theSpeakeroftheHouseofthePeoplemember;
(c) the Leader of the House other than the House in which the
PrimeMinisterisaMemberofParliamentmember;
(d) the Minister incharge of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the
GovernmentofIndiamember;
(e) the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People
member;
(f)theLeaderoftheOppositionintheCouncilofStatesmember:
Providedthatincase,thereisnoLeaderofOppositionintheHouse
ofthePeopleortheCouncilofStates,the leaderofthesingle largest
grouporpartyinoppositiontotheGovernment,asthecasemaybe,in
such House or Council shall be deemed to be a member of the
Committeespecifiedinclause(e)orclause(f),asthecasemaybe:
(g)onesittingJudgeoftheSupremeCourttobenominatedbythe
ChiefJusticeofIndiamember;
(h)onesittingChiefJusticeofaHighCourttobenominatedbythe
ChiefJusticeofIndiamember;
(i)thePresidentoftheNationalAcademyofSciences,India,beinga
society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the
seniormostNationalProfessormember;
(j)CabinetSecretarysecretary.
(2) No appointment of a Chairperson or a Member shall be invalid
merelybyreasonofanyvacancyintheCommittee.
21of1860.
(3) The Selection Committee may, if it considers necessary for the
purposes of selecting the Chairperson and other members of the Lokpal
andforpreparingapanelofpersonstobeconsideredforappointmentas
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such, constitute a Search Committee consisting of such persons of
impeccable integrity and outstanding ability and standing having special
knowledge of, and professional experience of not less than twentyfive
years in, public affairs, administrative law and policy, academics,
commerceandindustry,law,finance,management,orinanyothermatter
whichintheopinionoftheSelectionCommittee,maybeusefulinmaking
selectionofChairpersonandotherMembersoftheLokpal.
(4) The Selection Committee shall regulate its own procedure for
selecting the Chairperson and Members of the Lokpal which shall be
transparent.
(5)Thetermofthesearchcommitteereferredtoinsubsection(3)and
feeandallowancespayabletothemembersofthesearchcommitteeand
the manner of selection of panel of names shall be such as may be
prescribed.
Fillingof
vacanciesof
Chairpersonor
other
Members.
5.ThePresidentshalltakeorcausetobetakenallnecessarystepsfortheappointmentofanewChairpersonandotherMembersatleastthreemonthsbeforetheexpiryofthetermofsuchChairpersonorMember,as
thecasemaybe,inaccordancewiththeprocedurelaiddowninthisAct.
Termofoffice
ofChairperson
andMembers.
6. The Chairperson and every other Member shall, on therecommendations of the Selection Committee, be appointed by the
Presidentbywarrantunderhishandandsealandholdofficeassuchfora
termnotexceedingfiveyearsfromthedateonwhichheentersuponhis
officeoruntilheattainstheageofseventyyears,whicheverisearlier:
Providedthathemay
(a) by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his
office;or
(b) beremovedfromhisofficeinthemannerprovidedinsection8.
Salary,
allowancesand
other
conditionsof
serviceof
Chairperson
andMembers.
7.Thesalary,allowancesandotherconditionsofserviceof(i)theChairpersonshallbethesameasthoseoftheChiefJusticeof
India;
(ii) other Members shall be the same as those of a Judge of the
SupremeCourt:
Provided that if the Chairperson or a Member is, at the time of his
appointment, in receipt of pension (other than disability pension) in
respect of any previous service under the Government of India or under
the Government of a State, his salary in respect of service as the
Chairpersonor,asthecasemaybe,asaMember,bereduced
(a) bytheamountofthatpension;and
(b) ifhehas,beforesuchappointment,received,inlieuofaportion
of the pension due to him in respect of such previous service, the
commutedvaluethereof,bytheamountofthatportionofthepension:
Providedfurtherthatthesalary,allowancesand pensionpayable
to,andotherconditionsofserviceof,theChairpersonoraMembershall
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notbevariedtohisdisadvantageafterhisappointment.
Removaland
suspensionof
Chairperson
andother
Member
of
Lokpal.
8.(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(3),theChairpersonorany other Member shall be removed from his office by order of the
President on grounds of misbehaviour after the Supreme Court, on a
reference being made to it by the President, has, on inquiry held in
accordancewiththeprocedureprescribedinthatbehalf,reportedthatthe
ChairpersonorsuchotherMember,asthecasemaybe,oughtonanysuch
groundtoberemoved.
(2) The President may suspend from office the Chairperson or any
other Member in respect of whom a reference has been made to the
SupremeCourtundersubsection(1)untilthePresidenthaspassedorders
onreceiptofthereportoftheSupremeCourtonsuchreference.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), the
President may by order remove from the office the Chairperson or any
otherMemberiftheChairpersonorsuchotherMember,asthecasemay
be,
(a)isadjudgedaninsolvent;or
(b) engages during his term of office in any paid employment
outsidethedutiesofhisoffice;or
(c)is,intheopinionofthePresident,unfittocontinueinofficeby
reasonofinfirmityofmindorbody.
(4)IftheChairpersonoranyotherMemberisorbecomesinanyway
concerned or interested in any contract or agreement made by or on
behalf of the Government of India or the Government of a State or
participates in any way in the profit thereof or in any benefit or
emolumentarisingtherefromotherwisethanasamemberandincommon
with the other members of an incorporated company, he shall, for the
purposesofsubsection(1),bedeemedtobeguiltyofmisbehaviour.
Restrictionon
employmentby
Chairperson
andMembers
afterceasingto
holdoffice.
9. (1) On ceasing to hold office, the Chairperson and every otherMembershallbeineligiblefor
(i)reappointmentastheChairpersonoraMemberoftheLokpal;
(ii) any diplomatic assignment, appointment as administrator of a
Union territory and such other assignment or appointment which is
requiredbylawtobemadebythePresidentbywarrantunderhishand
andseal;
(iii) further employment to any other office of profit under the
GovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofaState;
(iv)contestinganyelectionofPresidentorVicePresidentorMemberof
eitherHouseofParliamentorMemberofeitherHouseofStateLegislature
orMunicipalityorPanchayat.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), a Member
shall be eligible to be appointed as a Chairperson, if his total tenure as
MemberandChairpersondoesnotexceedfiveyears.
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Membertoact
asChairperson
ortodischarge
hisfunctionsin
certain
circumstances.
10. (1) In theeventof theoccurrence ofanyvacancy in theofficeofChairpersonbyreasonofhisdeath,resignationorotherwise,thePresident
may, by notification, authorise the seniormost Member to act as the
Chairperson until the appointment of a new Chairperson to fill such
vacancy.
(2)WhentheChairpersonisunabletodischargehisfunctionsowingto
absenceonleaveorotherwise,theseniormostMemberavailable,asthe
Presidentmay,bynotification, authoriseinthisbehalf,shalldischargethe
functions of the Chairperson until the date on which the Chairperson
resumeshisduties.
Secretary,other
Officersand
staffofLokpal.
11.(1)TheappointmentofsecretaryandotherofficersandstaffoftheLokpalshallbemadebytheChairpersonorsuchotherMemberorofficer
ofLokpalastheChairpersonmaydirect:
ProvidedthatthePresidentmaybyrulerequirethattheappointment
in respect of any post or posts as may be specified in the rule, shall be
made
after
consultation
with
the
Union
Public
Service
Commission.
(2) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the
conditionsofserviceofsecretaryandotherofficersandstaffoftheLokpal
shallbesuchasmaybespecifiedbyregulationsmadebytheLokpalforthe
purpose:
Providedthattheregulationsmadeunderthissubsectionshall,sofar
as they relate to salaries, allowances, leave or pensions, require the
approvalofthePresident.
CHAPTERIIIINVESTIGATIONWING
Investigation
Wing.12.Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinanylawforthetimebeing
inforce,theLokpalshallconstituteanInvestigationWingforthepurpose
ofconductinginvestigationofanyoffenceallegedtohavebeencommitted
by a public servant punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act,
1988:
49of1988.
Provided that till such time the Investigation Wing isconstitutedby
theLokpal,theCentralGovernmentshallmakeavailablesuchnumberof
investigation officers and other staff from such of its Ministries or
Departments, as may be required by the Lokpal, for carrying out
investigationunderthisAct.
Investigation
officertohave
powersof
police.
13. (1) No investigation shallbe madebyan investigation officer ofthe Investigation Wing below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of
Policeorbyanyotherofficerofequivalentrank.
(2) The investigationofficers of the Investigation Wing shall have in
relation to the investigation of such offences, all the powers,duties,
privilegesand liabilitieswhichpoliceofficershave inconnectionwiththe
investigationofsuchoffences.
Investigation
officerto
inquireon
directionof
14.(1)TheLokpalmay,beforeholdinganyinquiryunderthisAct,byanorder,requiretheinvestigationofficerofitsInvestigationWingtomake,or
cause to be made, a preliminary investigation in such manner as it may
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Lokpal. direct and submit a report to the Lokpal, within such time as may be
specifiedby theLokpal,toenable it tosatisfy itselfastowhetherornot
thematterrequirestobeinquiredintobytheLokpal.
(2)Theinvestigationofficeronreceiptofanorderundersubsection(1)
shall complete the investigation and submit his report within the time
specifiedunderthatsubsection.
CHAPTERIVPROSECUTIONWING
Appointment of
Prosecution
Director.
15. (1)The Lokpal may,bynotification, constitute a prosecution wingandappointaprosecutionDirectorandsuchotherofficersandemployees
toassisttheprosecutionDirectorforthepurposeofprosecutionofpublic
servantsinrelationtoanycomplaintbytheLokpalunderthisAct.
(2)TheprosecutionDirectorshall,afterhavingbeensodirectedbythe
Lokpal, file a complaint before the Special Court, and take all necessary
steps in respect of the prosecution of public servants in relation to any
offencepunishableunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.
49of1988.
CHAPTERVEXPENSESOFINSTITUTIONOFLOKPALTOBECHARGEDON
CONSOLIDATEDFUNDOFINDIA
Expensesof
Lokpaltobe
chargedon
Consolidated
FundofIndia.
16. The expenses of the Lokpal, including all salaries, allowances and
pensions payable to or in respect of the Chairperson, members or
secretaryorotherofficersorstaffoftheLokpal,shallbechargedonthe
Consolidated Fund of India and any fees or other moneys taken by the
LokpalshallformpartofthatFund.
CHAPTERVIJURISDICTIONINRESPECTOFINQUIRY
Jurisdictionof
Lokpal.
17. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Lokpal shallinquireintoanymatterinvolvedin,orarisingfrom,orconnectedwith,any
allegationofcorruptionbyapublicservantmadeinacomplaintinrespect
ofthefollowing,namely:
(a)anypersonwhoisorhasbeenaMinisteroftheUnionotherthan
thePrimeMinister;
(b) any person who is or has been a Member of either House of
Parliament;
(c) any Group A officer or equivalent or above, when serving or
who
has
served,
in
connection
with
the
affairs
of
the
Union;
(d) any chairperson or member or officer equivalent to Group A
officer referred to in clause (c) or equivalent or above in any body or
Board or corporation or authority or company or society or
autonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled)establishedorconstituted
underanActofParliamentorwhollyorpartly financedbytheCentral
Governmentorcontrolledbyit;
(e)anydirector,manager,secretaryorotherofficerofeveryother
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society or association of persons or trust (whether registered under
anylawforthetimebeinginforceornot)whollyorpartlyfinancedby
the Government or in receipt of any sums under the Foreign
Contribution(Regulation)Act,1976oranydonationfromthepublic:
ProvidedthattheLokpalshallnot inquire intoanymatter involvedin,
or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation of corruption
againstanyMemberofeitherHouseofParliament inrespectofanything
said or a vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof
coveredundertheprovisionscontained inclause (2)ofarticle105ofthe
Constitution.
(2)TheLokpalmayinquireintoanyactorconductofanypersonother
thanthosereferredtoinsubsection(1),ifsuchpersonisassociatedwith
theallegationofcorruptionunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.
(3) No matter in respect of whicha complaint has beenmade to the
LokpalunderthisAct,shallbereferredforinquiryundertheCommissions
ofInquiryAct,1952.
49of1976.
45of1988.
60of1952.
Matters
pendingbefore
anycourtor
committeeor
authority
beforeinquiry
beforeLokpal
nottobe
affected.
18.IncaseanymatterorproceedingrelatedtoallegationofcorruptionunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988hasbeenpendingbeforeany
court or committee of either House of Parliament or before any other
authoritypriortocommencementofthisActorpriortocommencementof
any inquiry after the commencement of this Act, such matter or
proceedingshallbecontinuedbeforesuchcourt,committeeorauthority.
49of1988.
Explanation. For the removal of doubts, it is herby declared that
continuanceofsuchmatterorproceedingbeforeanycourtorcommittee
of either House of Parliament or before any other authority, except for
such matters as are protected under clause (2) of article 105 of the
Constitutionorarependingbeforea court,shallnotaffect thepowerof
theLokpaltoinquireintosuchmatterunderthisAct.
Constitutionof
benchesof
Lokpal.
19.(1)SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct, (a) the jurisdiction of the Lokpal may be exercised by benches
thereof;
(b) a bench may be constituted by the Chairperson with two or
moreMembersastheChairpersonmaydeemfit;
(c) every bench shall ordinarily consist of at least one Judicial
Member;
(d)whereabenchconsistsoftheChairperson,suchbenchshallbe
presidedoverbytheChairperson;
(e)whereabenchconsistsofaJudicialMember,andanonJudicial
Member,notbeingtheChairperson,suchbenchshallbepresidedover
bytheJudicialMember;
(f)thebenchesoftheLokpalshallordinarilysitatNewDelhiandat
suchotherplacesastheLokpalmay,byregulations,specify.
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(2)TheLokpalshallnotifytheareasinrelationtowhicheachbenchof
theLokpalmayexercisejurisdiction.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (2), the
Chairperson shall have the power to constitute or reconstitute benches
fromtimetotime.
(4)Ifatanystageofthehearingofanycaseormatteritappearstothe
ChairpersonoraMemberthatthecaseormatterisofsuchanaturethatit
ought tobeheardbyabenchconsistingof threeormoreMembers, the
caseormattermaybetransferredbytheChairpersonor,asthecasemay
be, referred to him for transfer, to such bench as the Chairperson may
deemfit.
Distribution ofbusinessamongstBenches
20.Wherebenchesareconstituted,theChairpersonmay,fromtimetotime,bynotification, makeprovisionsastothedistributionofthebusiness
oftheLokpalamongstthebenchesandalsoprovideforthematterswhich
maybedealtwithbyeachbench.
Power ofChairperson totransfer cases
21. On an application for transfer made by the complainant or thepublicservant,theChairperson,aftergivinganopportunityofbeingheard
tothecomplainantorthepublicservant,asthecasemaybe,maytransfer
anycasependingbeforeonebenchfordisposaltoanyotherbench.
Decisiontobe
bymajority.
22. If the Members of a bench consisting of two Members differ inopinion on any point, they shall state the point or points on which they
differ,andmakeareferencetotheChairpersonwhoshalleitherhearthe
pointorpointshimselforreferthecaseforhearingonsuchpointorpoints
by one or more of the other Members of the Lokpal and such point or
points shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority of the
MembersoftheLokpalwhohaveheardthecase,includingthosewhofirst
heard
it.
CHAPTERVIIPROCEDUREINRESPECTOFINQUIRYANDINVESTIGATION
Provisions
relatingto
complaintsand
inquiryand
investigation.
23. (1) The Lokpal, on receipt of a complaint, may either make
preliminaryinquiryordirect itsInvestigationWing,tomakeapreliminary
investigation to ascertain whether there exists a prima facie case forproceedinginthematter.
(2)Everypreliminaryinquiryorpreliminaryinvestigationreferredtoinsubsection(1)shallordinarilybecompletedwithinaperiodofthirtydays
andforreasonstoberecordedinwriting,withinafurtherperiodofthree
monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthecomplaint.
(3)Uponcompletionofthepreliminaryinvestigation,theinvestigating
authorityshallsubmititsreporttotheLokpal.
(4) Before the Lokpal comes to the conclusion in the course of a
preliminary inquiry and after submission of a report referred to in sub
section (3) that a prima facie is made out against the public servantpursuant to suchapreliminary inquiry, the Lokpal shall afford the public
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servant an opportunity to be heard consistent with principles of natural
justice.
(5) Where the Lokpal, after receiving the report of the investigating
authority pursuant to a preliminary investigation or conclusion of the
preliminary inquiries as referred to in subsection (1) is satisfied that no
primafacie case is made out for proceeding further in the matter, thecomplaint shall be closed and the decision thereon be communicated to
thecomplainantandthepublicservant.
(6)WheretheLokpalisoftheopinionthatprimafaciecaseismadeoutand refers the matter for investigation, upon completion of such
investigationandbeforefilingthechargesheet,thepublicservantagainst
whomsuchinvestigationisbeingconductedshallbegivenanopportunity
tobeheardconsistentwiththeprinciplesofnaturaljustice.
(7)Every inquiryconductedbytheLokpal,uponbeingsatisfiedthata
primafaciecaseismadeout,shallbeopentothepublicprovidedthatinexceptionalcircumstancesandforreasonstoberecordedinwritingbythe
Lokpal,suchinquirymaybeconductedincamera.
(8) Incase theLokpalproceedsto inquire into thecomplaint, itshall
hold such inquiry as expeditiously as possible and complete the inquiry
within a period of six months from the date of receipt of the complaint
which,forreasonstoberecordedinwriting,maybeextendedbyafurther
periodofsixmonths.
(9) The public servant against whom an inquiry is being conducted
undersubsection(8)shallbegivenanopportunitytobeheardconsistent
withtheprinciplesofnaturaljustice.
(10) Where in a case the Lokpal is of the opinion and reason to be
recorded inwritingthat it isnot inthe interestofjusticetoeitherholda
preliminaryinquiryorpreliminaryinvestigation,itmayreferthematterfor
investigation.
(11) Upon completion ofsuch investigationbutbefore filing acharge
sheet,the investigatingauthorityshallplacetherecords in itspossession
along with itprimafacie conclusion before the Lokpal who shall beforedirectingthatachargesheetbefiledaffordthepublicservantconcerned
anopportunitytobeheardconsistentwiththeprinciplesofnaturaljustice.
(12) IftheLokpalproposesto inquire intoacomplaint, itmay,atany
stage,
(a) pass appropriate orders for safe custody of the documents
relevanttotheinquiryasitdeemsfit;and
(b)forwardacopyofthecomplainttothepublicservantconcerned
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along with all relevant material relied upon and afford him an
opportunitytorepresenthiscase.
(13) The website of the Lokpal shall, from time to time and in such
mannerasmaybespecifiedbyregulations,displaytothepublic,thestatus
ofnumberofcomplaintspendingbeforeitordisposedofbyit.
(14)TheLokpalmaywithholdtherecordsandevidencewhicharelikely
toimpedetheprocessofinquiryorconductofacasebyitortheSpecial
Court.
(15) Save as otherwise provided, the manner and procedure of
conductinganinquiryorinvestigationunderthisAct,shallbesuchasmay
bespecifiedbyregulations.
Personslikelyto
beprejudicially
affectedtobe
heard.
24.If,atanystageoftheproceeding,theLokpal(a)considersitnecessarytoinquireintotheconductofanyperson
otherthantheprospectiveaccused;or
(b) is of opinion that the reputation of any person other than a
accusedislikelytobeprejudiciallyaffectedbytheinquiry,
the Lokpal shall give to that person a reasonable opportunity of being
heard in the inquiry and to produce evidence in his defence, consistent
withtheprinciplesofnaturaljustice:
Providedthatnothing inthissectionshallapplywherethecredibility
ofawitnessisbeingimpeached.
Lokpalmay
requireany
publicservant
oranyother
personto
furnish
information,
etc.
25. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, for the purpose of anyinquiry or investigation, the Lokpal or the investigating authority, as the
casemaybe,mayrequireanypublicservantoranyotherpersonwho, in
itsopinion, isableto furnish informationorproducedocumentsrelevant
tosuchinquiryorinvestigation,tofurnishanysuchinformationorproduce
anysuchdocument.
Previous
sanctionnot
necessaryfor
investigation
andinitiating
prosecutionby
Lokpalin
certaincases.
26.(1)NosanctionorpermissionorauthorisationshallberequiredbytheLokpaloritsInvestigationWingundersection6AoftheDelhi Special
Police Establishment Act, 1946, or section 197 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure,1973orsection19 of thePreventionofCorruption Act,1988
for the purpose of making inquiry by the Lokpal or investigation by its
Investigation Wing into any complaint against any public servant or for
filingof anycomplaint in respect thereofbefore the Special Court under
thisAct.
(2)ASpecialCourtmay,notwithstandinganythingcontainedinsection
6Aof theDelhi Special PoliceEstablishmentAct, 1946, or section 197of
the Code ofCriminal Procedure,1973 orsection 19 of the Preventionof
Corruption Act, 1988, on a complaint filed by the Lokpal or any officer
authorised by it in this behalf, take cognizance of offence committed by
anypublicservant.
(3)Nothingcontainedinsubsections(1)and(2)shallapplyinrespectof
25of1946.
2of1974.
49of1988.
25of1946.
2of1974.
49of1988.
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the persons holding the office in pursuance of the provisions of the
Constitution and in respect of which a procedure for removal of such
personhasbeenspecifiedtherein.
(4) The provisions contained in subsections (1), (2) and (3) shall be
without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in article
311andsubclause(c)ofclause(3)ofarticle320oftheConstitution.
Actionon
inquiryin
relationto
publicservants
notbeing
minstersor
Membersof
Parliament.
27.(1)Whereaftertheconclusionofthe inquiryor investigation,thefindings of the Lokpal disclose the commission of an offence under the
PreventionofCorruptionAct,1988byapublicservantreferredtoinclause
(c)orclause(d)ofsubsection(1)ofsection17,theLokpalmay
(a) )fileacase intheSpecialCourtandsendacopyofthereport
togetherwithitsfindingstothecompetentauthority;
(b) recommend to the competent authority the initiation of
discliplinary proceedings under the rules of disciplinary proceedings
applicabletosuchpublicservant;
(c) provide a copy of the report to the public servant or his
representative;
(2)Thecompetentauthorityshall,withinaperiodofthirtydaysofthe
receipt of recommendation under clause (b) of subsection (1), initiate
disciplinaryproceedingsagainst the delinquent public servantaccusedof
committing offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and
forward its comments on the report, including the action taken or
proposedtobetakenthereon,totheLokpalordinarilywithinsixmonthsof
initationofsuchdisciplinaryproceedings.
49of1988.
49of1988.
Actionon
inquiryagainst
publicservant
beingministers
orMembersof
Parliament.
28. (1) (1)Where after theconclusionof the inquiryor investigation,thefindingsoftheLokpaldisclosethecommissionofanoffenceunderthe
PreventionofCorruptionAct,1988byapublicservantreferredtoinclause
(a)orclause(b)ofsubsection(1)ofsection17,theLokpalmayfileacase
intheSpecialCourtandshallsendacopyofthereporttogetherwith its
findingstothecompetentauthority;
(2)TheSpeaker,inthecaseoftheMinisteroraMemberoftheHouse
ofthePeople,andtheChairmanoftheCouncilofStates,inthecaseofa
Member of that Council shall, as soon as may be, after the receipt of
reportundersubsection(1),causethesametobe laidbeforetheHouse
of the People or the Council of States, as the case may be, while it is in
session,andiftheHouseofthePeopleortheCouncilofStates,asthecase
maybe,isnotinsession,withinaperiodofoneweekfromthereassembly
ofthesaidHouseortheCouncil,asthecasemaybe.
(3)Thecompetentauthorityshallexaminethereportforwardedto it
undersubsection (1)andcommunicatetotheLokpal,withinaperiodof
ninety days from the date of receipt of the report, the action taken or
proposedtobetakenonthebasisofthereport.
Explanation. In computing the period of ninety days referred to in
thissubsection,anyperiodduringwhichParliamentor,as thecasemay
49of1988.
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be,eitherHouseofParliament,isnotinsession,shallbeexcluded.
CHAPTERVIIIPOWERSOFLOKPAL
Searchand
seizure.
29.(1)IftheLokpalhasreasontobelievethatanydocumentwhich,initsopinion,shallbeusefulfor,orrelevantto,any investigationor inquiry
under this Act,are secreted inany place, it mayauthoriseanyofficer of
InvestigationWing,tosearchforandtoseizesuchdocuments.
(2) If the Lokpal is satisfied that any document seized under sub
section (1) would be evidence for the purpose of any investigation or
inquiry under this Act and that it would be necessary to retain the
document in its custody or in the custody of such officer as may be
authorised,itmaysoretainordirectsuchofficerauthorisedtoretainsuch
documenttillthecompletionofsuchinvestigationorinquiry:
Provided that where any document is required to be returned, the
Lokpalortheauthorisedofficermayreturnthesameafterretainingcopiesofsuchdocumentdulyauthenticated.
(3)TheprovisionsoftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973relatingto
searches shall, so far as may be, apply to searches under this section
subjecttothemodification thatsubsection(5)ofsection165ofthesaid
CodeshallhaveeffectasifforthewordMagistrate,wherever itoccurs
therein, the words Lokpal or any officer authorised by it were
substituted.
2of1974.
Lokpaltohave
powersofcivil
courtincertain
cases.
30.(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,forthepurposeofanyinquiry,theLokpalshallhaveallthepowersofacivilcourt,undertheCode
of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit in respect of the following
matters,namely:
(i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and
examininghimonoath;
(ii)requiringthediscoveryandproductionofanydocument;
(iii)receivingevidenceonaffidavits;
(iv)requisitioninganypublicrecordorcopythereoffromanycourt
oroffice;
(v) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or
documents:
Providedthatsuchcommission,incaseofawitness,shallbeissuedonlywherethewitness,intheopinionoftheLokpal,isnotinaposition
toattendtheproceedingbeforetheLokpal;and
(vi)suchothermattersasmaybeprescribed.
(2)AnyproceedingbeforetheLokpalshallbedeemedtobeajudicial
proceedingwithinthemeaningofsection193oftheIndianPenalCode.
Explanation.For thepurposesofthissection,publicservantshall
5of1908.
45of1960.
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havethesamemeaningasisinsection21oftheIndianPenalCode.
Powerto
punishfor
contempt.
31. The Lokpal shall have, and exercise, jurisdiction, powers and
authority in respectofcontemptof itselfas theHighCourthasand may
exercisesuchpowerorauthority,forthispurposeundertheprovisionsof
theContemptofCourtsAct,1971,whichshallhaveeffectsubjectto the
modificationthat
(a) any reference therein to a High Court shall be construed as
includingareferencetotheLokpal;
(b)anyreferencetotheAdvocateGeneralinsection15ofthesaid
ActshallbeconstruedasareferencetosuchlawofficerastheLokpal
mayspecifyinthisbehalf:
ProvidedthatsuchmattersshallbeheardbyaSpecialBenchconsisting
offiveMembersconstitutedbytheChairperson.
70of1971.
PowerofLokpal
toutilise
servicesof
officersof
CentralorState
Government.
32. (1) The Lokpal may, for the purpose of conducting any inquiry,utilise
the
services
of
any
officer
or
investigation
agency
of
the
Central
GovernmentoranyStateGovernment,asthecasemaybe.
(2)Forthepurposeof investigating intoanymatterpertainingtothe
inquiry,anyofficeroragencywhoseservicesareutilisedundersubsection
(2)may,subjecttothedirectionandcontroloftheLokpal,
(a)summonandenforcetheattendanceofanypersonandexamine
him;
(b)requirethediscoveryandproductionofanydocument;and
(c)requisitionanypublicrecordorcopythereoffromanyoffice.
(3)Theofficeroragencywhoseservicesareutilisedundersubsection
(2)shallinvestigateintoanymatterpertainingtotheinquiryandsubmitareportthereontotheLokpalwithinsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedbythe
Lokpalinthisbehalf.
Provisional
attachmentof
assets.
33.(1)WheretheLokpaloranyinvestigationofficerauthorisedbyitinthis behalf, has reason to believe, the reason for such belief to be be
recordedinwriting,onthebasisofmaterialinhispossession,that
(a)anypersonisinpossessionofanyproceedsofcorruption;
(b)suchpersonisaccusedofhavingcommittedanoffencerelating
tocorruption;and
(c)suchproceedsofoffencearelikelytobeconcealed,transferred
or dealt with in any manner which may result in frustrating any
proceedings relating to confiscation of such proceeds of offence, he
may,byorderinwriting,provisionallyattachsuchpropertyforaperiod
notexceedingninetydays fromthedateoftheorder, inthemanner
providedintheSecondScheduletotheIncometaxAct,1961andthe
Lokpalshallbedeemedtobeanofficerundersubrule(e)ofrule1of
thatSchedule:
(2)TheLokpalshall, immediately after attachment under subsection
(1),forwardacopyoftheorder,alongwiththematerialinhispossession,
43of1961.
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referredtointhatsubsection,totheSpecialCourt,inasealedenvelope,
inthemannerasmaybeprescribedandsuchCourtmayextendtheorder
of attachment and keep such material for such period as the Court may
deemfit.
(3)Everyorderofattachmentmadeundersubsection (1)shallcease
tohaveeffectaftertheexpiryoftheperiodspecifiedinthatsubsectionor
aftertheexpiryoftheperiodasdirectedbytheSpecialCourtundersub
section(2).
(4) Nothing in this section shall prevent the person interested in the
enjoyment of the immovable property attached under subsection (1) or
subsection(2),fromsuchenjoyment.
Explanation. For the purposes of this subsection, person
interested, in relation to any immovable property, includes all persons
claimingorentitledtoclaimanyinterestintheproperty.
Confirmationof
attachment
of
assets.
34. (1)TheLokpal,when itprovisionallyattachesanypropertyundersubsection (1) of section 33 shall, within a period of thirty days of such
attachment, direct its prosecution wing to file an application stating the
factsofsuchattachmentbeforetheSpecialCourtandmakeaprayer for
confirmation of attachment of the property till completion of the
proceedingsagainstthepublicservantintheSpecialCourt.
(2) The Special Court may, if it is of the opinion that the property
provisionallyattachedhadbeenacquiredthroughcorruptmeans,makean
orderforconfirmationofattachmentofsuchpropertytillthecompletion
oftheproceedingsagainstthepublicservantintheSpecialCourt.
(3)Ifthepublicservantissubsequentlyacquittedofthechargesframed
againsthim,theproperty,subjecttotheordersoftheSpecialCourt,shall
berestoredtotheconcernedpublicservantalongwithbenefitsfromsuch
propertyasmighthaveaccruedduringtheperiodofattachment.
(4) If the public servant is subsequently convicted of the charges of
corruption,theproceedsrelatabletotheoffenceunderthePreventionof
Corruption Act, 1988 shall be confiscated and vest in the Central
Government free from any encumbrance or leasehold interest excluding
anydebtduetoanybankorfinancialinstitution.
Explanation. For the purposes of this subsection, the expressions
bank, debt and financial institution shall have the meanings
respectivelyassignedtotheminclauses(d),(g)and(h)ofsection2ofthe
RecoveryofDebtsDuetoBanksandFinancialInstitutionsAct,1993.
49of1988.
51of1993.
PowerofLokpal
torecommend
transferor
suspensionof
publicservant
connectedwith
allegationof
corruption.
35. (1) Where the Lokpal, while making an inquiry into allegations ofcorruption,isprimafaciesatisfied,onthebasisofevidenceavailable,that
(a)thecontinuanceofthepublicservantreferredto inclause (c)or
clause (d)of subsection (1)ofsection17 inhispost while conducting
theinquiryislikelytoaffectsuchinquiryadversely;or
(b)thepublicservantreferredtoinclause(a)islikelytodestroyorin
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anywaytamperwiththeevidenceorinfluencewitnesses,
then,theLokpalmayrecommendtotheCentralGovernmentfortransfer
or suspension of such public servant from the post held by him till such
periodasmaybespecifiedintheorder.
(2) The Central Government shall ordinarily accept the
recommendationoftheLokpalmadeundersubsection(1),exceptforthe
reasons to be recorded in writing in a case where it is not feasible for
administrativereasons.
PowerofLokpal
togive
directionsto
prevent
destructionof
recordsduring
inquiry.
36.TheLokpalmay,indischargeofitsfunctionsunderthisAct,issueappropriatedirectionstoapublicservantentrustedwiththepreparation
orcustodyofanydocumentorrecord
(a)toprotectsuchdocumentorrecordfromdestructionordamage;
or
(b) to prevent the public servant from altering or secreting such
documentorrecord;or
(c)topreventthepublicservantfromtransferringoralienatingany
assetsallegedlyacquiredbyhimthroughcorruptmeans.
Powerto
delegate.37.TheLokpalmay,bygeneralorspecialorderinwriting,andsubject
tosuchconditionsandlimitationsasmaybespecifiedtherein,directthat
anyadministrativeorfinancialpowerconferredonitmayalsobeexercised
ordischargedbysuchof itsMembersorofficersoremployeesasmaybe
specifiedintheorder.
CHAPTERIXSPECIALCOURTS
SpecialCourts
tobenotified
byCentral
Government.
38.(1)
The
Central
Government
shall
constitute
such
number
of
Special
Courts, as recommended by the Lokpal, to hear and decide the cases
arisingoutofthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988orunderthisAct.
(2) The Special Courts constituted under subsection (1) shall ensure
completionofeachtrialwithinaperiodofoneyearfromthedateoffiling
ofthecaseintheCourt:
Providedthat incasethetrialcannotbecompletedwithinaperiodof
oneyear,theSpecialCourtshallrecordreasonsthereforandcompletethe
trialwithinafurtherperiodofnotmorethanthreemonthsorsuchfurther
periods not exceeding three months each, for reasons to be recorded in
writing, before the end of each such three month period, but not
exceedingatotalperiodoftwoyears.
49of1988.
Letterof
requesttoa
contracting
Stateincertain
cases.
39.(1)Notwithstandinganythingcontained inthisActortheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973if,inthecourseofaninquiryorinvestigationinto
anoffenceorotherproceedingunderthisAct,anapplicationismadetoa
SpecialCourtbytheInvestigationOfficeroftheLokpalthatanyevidenceis
requiredinconnectionwiththeinquiryorinvestigationintoanoffenceor
proceedingunderthisActandheisoftheopinionthatsuchevidencemay
beavailable inanyplace inacontractingState,andtheSpecialCourt,on
being satisfied that such evidence is required in connection with the
2of1974.
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inquiryorinvestigationintoanoffenceorproceedingunderthisAct,may
issuealetterofrequesttoacourtoranauthorityinthecontractingState
competenttodealwithsuchrequestto
(i)examinethefactsandcircumstancesofthecase;
(ii)takesuchstepsastheSpecialCourtmayspecifyinsuchletterof
request;and
(iii) forward all the evidence so taken or collected to the Special
Courtissuingsuchletterofrequest.
(2) The letter of request shall be transmitted in such manner as the
CentralGovernmentmayprescribeinthisbehalf.
(3) Every statement recorded or document or thing received under
subsection(1)shallbedeemedtobeevidencecollectedduringthecourse
oftheinquiryorinvestigation.
CHAPTERXCOMPLAINTSAGAINSTCHAIRPERSON,MEMBERSANDOFFICIALSOF
LOKPAL
Complaints
against
Chairperson
andMembers
nottobe
inquiredby
Lokpal.
40.(1)TheLokpalshallnotinquireintoanycomplaintmadeagainsttheChairpersonoranyMember.
(2)AnycomplaintagainsttheChairpersonorMembershallbemadeby
anapplicationbythepartyaggrieved,tothePresident.
(3)ThePresidentshall,incasethereexistsaprimafaciecaseforbiasorcorruption,makeareferencetotheChiefJusticeofIndia insuchmanner
as may be prescribed for inquiring into the complaint against the
ChairpersonorMember.
(4) The President shall decide the action against the Chairperson or
MemberonthebasisoftheopinionoftheChiefJusticeofIndiaandincase
the President is satisfied on the basis of the said opinion that the
Chairperson or the Member is biased or has indulged in corruption, the
President shall, notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1) of
section 8, remove such Chairperson or Member and also order for
initiationofprosecutionincaseofallegationofcorruption.
Complaints
againstofficials
ofLokpal.
41. (1)Everycomplaintofallegationofwrongdoingmadeagainstanyofficeroremployeeor investigationagencyunderorassociatedwith the
Lokpal for offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act,
1988shallbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection.
(2) The Lokpal shall complete the inquiry into the complaint or
allegationmade,withinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateofitsreceipt.
(3)While makingan inquiry into the complaint against anyofficeror
employeeoftheLokpaloragencyengagedorassociatedwiththeLokpal,if
itisprimafaciesatisfiedonthebasisofevidenceavailable,that(a)continuanceofsuchofficeroremployeeoftheLokpaloragency
49of1988.
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engagedorassociatedinhispostwhileconductingtheinquiryislikelyto
affectsuchinquiryadversely;or
(b) an officer or employee of the Lokpal or agency engaged or
associatedislikelytodestroyorinanywaytamperwiththeevidenceor
influencewitnesses,
then, theLokpalmay,byorder,suspendsuchofficeroremployeeofthe
LokpalordivestsuchagencyengagedorassociatedwiththeLokpalofall
powersandresponsibilitiesheretobeforeexercisedbyit.
(4)Onthecompletionoftheinquiry,iftheLokpalissatisfiedthatthere
is prima facie evidence of the commission of an offence under thePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988orofanywrongdoing,itshall,withina
period of fifteen days of the completion of such inquiry, order to
prosecute such officer or employee of the Lokpal or such officer,
employee, agency engaged or associated with the Lokpal and initiate
disciplinaryproceedingsagainsttheofficialconcerned:
Providedthatnosuchordershallbepassedwithoutgivingsuchofficer
or employee of the Lokpal or person, agency engaged or associated, a
reasonableopportunityofbeingheard.
49of1988.
CHAPTERXIASSESSMENTOFLOSSANDRECOVERYTHEREOFBYSPECIALCOURT
Assessmentof
lossand
recovery
thereofby
SpecialCourt.
42.IfanypublicservantisconvictedofanoffenceunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988bytheSpecialCourt,notwithstandingandwithout
prejudice to any law for the time being in force, it may make an
assessmentof loss, ifany,caused to thepublicexchequeronaccount of
theactionsordecisionsofsuchpublicservantnottakeningoodfaithand
for which he stands convicted, and may order recovery of such loss, if
possibleorquantifiable,fromsuchpublicservantsoconvicted:
ProvidedthatiftheSpecialCourt,forreasonstoberecordedinwriting,
comestotheconclusionthatthelosscausedwaspursuanttoaconspiracy
with the beneficiary orbeneficiaries of actions ordecisionsof the public
servant so convicted, then such loss may, if assessed and quantifiable
under this section, may also be recovered from such beneficiary or
beneficiariesproportionately.
45of1988.
CHAPTERXIIFINANCE,ACCOUNTSANDAUDIT
43. The Lokpal shall prepare, in such form and at such time in eachfinancialyearasmaybeprescribed,itsbudgetforthenextfinancialyear,
showingtheestimatedreceiptsandexpenditureoftheLokpalandforward
thesametotheCentralGovernmentforinformation.
Budget.
44. The Central Government may, after due appropriation made byParliamentbylawinthisbehalf,maketotheLokpalgrantsofsuchsumsof
moneyasarerequiredtobepaidforthesalariesandallowancespayable
totheChairpersonandotherMembersand theadministrativeexpenses,
includingthesalariesandallowancesandpensionpayabletoorinrespect
GrantsbyCentral
Government.
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ofofficersandotheremployeesoftheLokpal. 45. (1) The Lokpal shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant
recordsandprepareanannualstatementofaccountsinsuchformasmay
be prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with the
ComptrollerandAuditorGeneralofIndia.
(2)TheaccountsoftheLokpalshallbeauditedbytheComptrollerand
AuditorGeneralofIndiaatsuchintervalsasmaybespecifiedbyhim.
(3) The Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India or any person
appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the
LokpalunderthisActshallhavethesamerights,privilegesandauthorityin
connection with such audit, as the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of
India generally has, in connection with the audit of the Government
accountsand,inparticular,shallhavetherighttodemandtheproduction
ofbooks,accounts,connectedvouchersandotherdocumentsandpapers
andtoinspectanyoftheofficesoftheLokpal.
(4)TheaccountsoftheLokpal,ascertifiedbyComptrollerandAuditor
General of India or any other person appointed by him in this behalf,
togetherwiththeauditreportthereon,shallbeforwardedannuallytothe
CentralGovernmentandtheCentralGovernmentshallcausethesameto
belaidbeforeeachHouseofParliament.
Annualstatement
ofaccounts.
46.(1)TheLokpalshallfurnishtotheCentralGovernment,atsuchtimeand in such form and manner as may be prescribed or as the Central
Government may request, such returns and statements and such
particularsinregardtoanymatterunderthejurisdictionoftheLokpal,as
theCentralGovernmentmay,fromtimetotime,require.
(2)TheLokpalshallprepare,onceeveryyear,insuchformandatsuch
time as may be prescribed, an annual report, giving a summary of its
activities during the previous year and copies of the report shall be
forwardedtotheCentralGovernment.
(3)Acopyofthereportreceivedundersubsection(2)shallbelaidby
the Central Government, as soon as may be after it is received, before
eachHouseofParliament.
Furnishingof
returns,etc.,to
Central
Government.
CHAPTERXIIIDECLARATIONOFASSETS
Declarationof
assets.47. (1) Every public servant shall make a declaration of his assets and
liabilitiesinthemannerasprovidedbyorunderthisAct.
(2)Apublicservantshall,withinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateonwhich he makesandsubscribes anoathoraffirmation toenteruponhis
office,furnishtothecompetentauthoritytheinformationrelatingto
(a)theassetsofwhichhe,hisspouseandhisdependentchildrenare,
jointlyorseverally,ownersorbeneficiaries;
(b)hisliabilitiesandthatofhisspouseandhisdependentchildren.
(3) A public servant holding his office as such, at the time of the
commencement of this Act, shall furnish information relating to such
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assets and liabilities, as referred to in subsection (2) to the competent
authoritywithinthirtydaysofthecomingintoforceofthisAct.
(4) Every public servant shall file with the competent authority, on or
before the 31st July of every year, an annual return of such assets and
liabilities, as referred to in subsection (2), as on the 31st March of that
year.
(5)Theinformationundersubsection(2)orsubsection(3)andannual
returnundersubsection(4)shallbefurnishedtothecompetentauthority
insuchformandinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed.
(6) The competent authority in respect of each office or Department
shallensurethatallsuchstatementsarepublishedonthewebsiteofsuch
officerorDepartmentby31stAugustofthatyear.
Explanation. For the purposes of this section, dependent children
means sons and daughters who have no separate means of earning and
arewhollydependentonthepublicservantfortheirlivelihood.
Presumptionas
toacquisitionof
assetsby
corruptmeans
incertaincases.
48.Ifanypublicservantwilfullyorforreasonswhicharenotjustifiable,failsto
(a)todeclarehisassets;or
(b) givesmisleading information inrespectof suchassetsand is
foundtobeinpossessionofassetsnotdisclosedorinrespectofwhich
misleadinginformationwasfurnished,
thensuchassetsshall,unlessotherwiseproved,bepresumedtobelongto
thepublicservantandshallbepresumedtobeassetsacquiredbycorrupt
means:
Provided that the competent authority may condone or exempt the
public servant from furnishing information in respect of assets not
exceedingsuchminimumvalueasmaybeprescribed.
CHAPTERXIVCITIZENSCHARTER
Citizens
charter.49.(1)Every,
(a)MinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernmentor
anybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor
autonomous body (by whatever name called) established or
constituted or incorporated under an Act of Parliament or wholly or
partlyfinancedbytheCentralGovernmentorcontrolledbyit;and
(b)everyothersocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust(whether
registered or not) wholly or partly financed by the Government or in
receiptofanysumsundertheForeignContribution(Regulation)Actor
anydonationfrompublic,
shallprepareandpublishachartertobeknownasCitizensCharterwithin
aperiodofoneyearfromthecommencementofthisAct.
(2)TheCitizensCharterreferredto insubsection (1)shallspecifyto
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thecitizensthecommitmentsof,
(a)theMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment
oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsociety
or autonomous body or other society or association of persons or
trustreferredtointhatsubsection;
(b)theofficerresponsibleformeetingsuchcommitment;and
(c)thetimewithinwhichsuchcommitmentshallbecompliedwith
alongwithotherrelevantdetailsrelatingtopublicdeliveryofservices
orfulfilmentofitsobjectives.
(3)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment
oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor
autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trust
referred to in subsection (1) shall designate an officer to be called the
PublicGrievanceRedressalOfficertowhomanyaggrievedpersonmayfile
acomplaintfornoncomplianceoftheCitizensCharter:
(4)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment
oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor
autonomousbodyorothersocietyorassociationofpersonsortrustshall
appoint at least one Public Grievance Redressal Officer in each district
whereithasanoffice.
(5)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment
oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor
autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trust
referredtoinsubsection(1)shallreviewandreviseitsCitizensCharterat
leastonceinayear.
CHAPTERXVOFFENCESANDPENALTIES
Prosecutionfor
falsecomplaint
andpaymentof
compensation,
etc.,topublic
servant.
50.(1)NotwithstandinganythingcontainedinthisAct,whoevermakesany false and frivolous or vexatious complaint under this Act shall, on
conviction,bepunishedwith imprisonmentforatermwhichshallnotbe
lessthantwoyearsbutwhichmayextendtofiveyearsandwithfinewhich
shallnotbelessthantwentyfivethousandrupeesbutwhichmayextend
totwolakhrupees.
(2) No Court, except a Special Court, shall take cognizance of an
offenceundersubsection(1).
(3) No Special Court shall take cognizance of an offence under sub
section
(1)
except
on
a
complaint
made
by
a
person
against
whom
the
false,frivolousorvexatiouscomplaintwasmade.
(4)Theprosecutioninrelationtoanoffenceundersubsection(1)shall
be conducted by the public prosecutor and all expenses connected with
suchprosecutionshallbebornebytheCentralGovernment.
(5) Incaseofconvictionofaperson[beingan individualorsocietyor
association of persons or trust (whether registered or not)], for having
madea falsecomplaintunderthisAct,suchpersonshallbe liabletopay
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compensation to the public servant against whom he made the false
complaintinadditiontothelegalexpensesforcontestingthecasebysuch
publicservant,astheSpecialCourtmaydetermine.
Falsecomplaint
madeby
societyor
associationof
personsor
trust.
51. (1) Where any offence under section 50 has been committed by
anysocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust(whetherregisteredornot),
everypersonwho,atthetimetheoffencewascommitted,wasdirectlyin
chargeof,andwasresponsibleto,thesocietyorassociationofpersonsor
trust,fortheconductofthebusinessoraffairsoractivitiesofthesociety
orassociationofpersonsortrustaswellassuchsocietyorassociationof
personsortrustshallbedeemedtobeguiltyoftheoffenceandshallbe
liabletobeproceededagainstandpunishedaccordingly:
Provided that nothing contained in this subsection shall render any
suchpersonliabletoanypunishmentprovidedinthisAct,ifheprovesthat
the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had
exercisedallduediligencetopreventthecommissionofsuchoffence.
(2)
Notwithstanding
anything
contained
in
sub
section
(1),
where
an
offenceunderthisActhasbeencommittedbyasocietyor associationof
persons or trust (whether registered or not) and it is proved that the
offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is
attributabletoanyneglectonthepartof,anydirector,manager,secretary
or other officer of such society or association of persons or trust, such
director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be
guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and
punishedaccordingly.
CHAPTERXVIMISCELLANEOUS
Protectionof
actiontakenin
goodfaithby
anypublic
servant.
52.No
suit,
prosecution
or
other
legal
proceedings
under
this
Act
shall
lie
against any public servant, in respect of anything which is done in good
faithorintendedtobedoneinthedischargeofhisofficialfunctionsorin
exerciseofhispowers.
Protectionof
actiontakenin
goodfaithby
others.
53.Nosuit,prosecutionorotherlegalproceedingsshalllieagainsttheLokpaloragainstanyofficer,employee,agencyoranyperson, inrespect
ofanythingwhichisdoneingoodfaithorintendedtobedoneunderthis
Act.
Members,
officersand
employeesof
Lokpaltobe
publicservants.
54. The Chairperson, Members, officers and other employees of theLokpalshallbedeemed,whenactingorpurportingtoactinpursuanceof
anyoftheprovisionsofthisAct,tobepublicservantswithinthemeaning
ofsection21oftheIndianPenalCode.
45of1860.
Barof
Jurisdiction.55.Nocivilcourtshallhavejurisdictioninrespectofanymatterwhich
theLokpalisempoweredbyorunderthisActtodetermine.
Acttohave
overriding
effect.
56. The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstandinganything inconsistent therewith contained in any enactment other than
this Act or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any enactment
otherthanthisAct.
Provisionofthis
Acttobein57. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, and not in
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additionof
otherlaws.derogationof,anyotherlawforthetimebeinginforce.
Amendmentof
certain
enactments.
58. The enactments specified in the Second Schedule shall beamendedinthemannerspecifiedtherein.
Powertomakerules.
59. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the OfficialGazette,makerulestocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following
matters,namely:
(a)thetermofthesearchcommittee,feeandallowancespayableto
itsmembersandthemannerofselectionofpanelofnamesundersub
section(5)ofsection4;
(b) the procedure of inquiry into misbehaviour for removal of the
ChairpersonoranyotherMemberundersubsection(1)ofsection8;
(c) thepostorposts inrespectofwhich theappointmentshallbe
made after consultation with the Union Public Service Commission
undertheprovisotosubsection(1)ofsection11;
(d) other matters for which the Lokpal shall have the powers of a
civilcourtunderclause(vi)ofsubsection(1)ofsection30;
(e) themannerofsending theorderofattachmentalongwith the
materialtotheSpecialCourtundersubsection(2)ofsection33;
(f) the manner of transmitting the letter of request under sub
section(2)ofsection39;
(g) the manner of making reference to the Chief Justice of India
undersubsection(3)ofsection40;
(h)the formandthetime forpreparing ineach financialyearthe
budgetforthenextfinancialyear,showingtheestimatedreceiptsand
expenditureoftheLokpalundersection43;
(i)theformformaintainingtheaccountsandotherrelevantrecords
andtheformofannualstatementofaccountsundersubsection(1)of
section45;
(j)theformandmannerandthetimeforpreparingthereturnsand
statementsalongwithparticularsundersubsection(1)ofsection46;
(k) the form and the time for preparing an annual report giving a
summary
of
its
activities
during
the
previous
year
under
sub
section
(2)
ofsection46;
(l) the formofannual return to be filed byapublicservantunder
subsection(5)ofsection47;
(m) the minimum value for which the competent authority may
condone or exempt a public servant from furnishing information in
respectofassetsundertheprovisotosection48;
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(n)anyothermatterwhichistobeormaybeprescribed.
PowerofLokpal
tomake
regulations.
60. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules madethereunder, theLokpal may, by notification in the OfficialGazette, make
regulationstocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the
followingmatters,namely:
(a)theconditionsofserviceofthesecretaryandotherofficersand
staff of the Lokpal and the matters which in so far as they relate to
salaries, allowances, leave or pensions, require the approval of the
Presidentundersubsection(2)ofsection11;
(b)theplaceofsittingsofbenchesoftheLokpalunderclause(f)of
subsection(1)ofsection19;
(c) the manner for displaying on the website of the Lokpal, the
status
of
all
complaints
pending
or
disposed
of
along
with
records
and
evidencewithreferencetheretoundersubsection(13)ofsection23;
(d) the manner and procedure of conducting an inquiry or
investigationundersubsection(15)ofsection23;
(e)any othermatterwhich is required to be,ormaybe,specified
underthisAct.
Layingofrules
andregulations.61.EveryruleandregulationmadeunderthisActshallbelaid,assoon
asmaybeafteritismade,beforeeachHouseofParliament,whileitisin
session, fora total period of thirty days which maybe comprised in one
sessionorintwoormoresuccessivesessions,andif,beforetheexpiryof
the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions
aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or
regulation,orbothHousesagreethattheruleorregulationshouldnotbe
made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such
modifiedformorbeofnoeffect,asthecasemaybe;so,however,thatany
suchmodification orannulmentshallbewithoutprejudicetothevalidity
ofanythingpreviouslydoneunderthatruleorregulation.
Powerto
remove
difficulties.
62. (1) If any difficulty arises ingiving effect to theprovisionsof thisAct, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official
Gazette,makesuchprovisionsnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthis
Act,asmayappeartobenecessaryforremovingthedifficulty:
Providedthatnosuchordershallbemadeunderthissectionafterthe
expiryofaperiodoftwoyearsfromthecommencementofthisAct.
(2)Everyordermadeunderthissectionshallbelaid,assoonasmaybe
afteritismade,beforeeachHouseofParliament.
THEFIRSTSCHEDULE[Seesection3(5)]
I, A.B having been appointed Chairperson (or a
Member) of the Lokpal, do swear in the name of God / solemnly affirm
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that IwillbeartruefaithandallegiancetotheConstitutionof Indiaasby
law established, that I will duly faithfully and to the best of my ability,
knowledgeandjudgmentperformthedutiesofmyofficewithoutfearor
favour,affectionorillwill.
THESECONDSCHEDULE[Seesection58]
AMENDMENTTOCERTAINENACTMENTS
PARTI AMENDMENTTOTHEDELHISPECIALPOLICEESTABLISHMENTACT,1946
(25of1946)
Insection6A, forthewordsTheDelhiSpecialPoliceEstablishment,
thewordsSaveasotherwiseprovided intheLokpalAct,2011,theDelhi
SpecialPoliceEstablishmentshallbesubstituted.Amendmentof
section6A.
PARTII AMENDMENTTOTHECOMMISSIONSOFINQUIRYACT,1952
(60of1952)
In section 3, in subsection (1), for the words The appropriate
Government may, the words, brackets and figures Save as otherwise
providedintheLokpalAct,2011,theappropriateGovernmentmayshall
besubstituted.
Amendmentof
section3.
PARTIII AMENDMENTTOTHEPREVENTIONOFCORRUPTIONACT,1988
(49of1988)
1. In section 13, in subsection (2), for the words seven years, the
wordstenyearsshallbesubstituted;
Amendmentof
section13.
2. In section 14, for the words seven years, the words ten years
shallbesubstituted.
Amendmentof
section14.
3. Insection 19,afterthewordsexceptwith theprevioussanction,
the words save as otherwise provided in the Lokpal Act, 2011 shall be
inserted.
Amendmentof
section19.
PARTIV AMENDMENTTOTHECODEOFCRIMINALPROCEDURE,1973
(2of1974)
Insection197,afterthewordsexceptwiththeprevioussanction,thewords save as otherwise provided in the Lokpal Act, 2011 shall be
inserted.
Amendment
of
section197.
____________________