The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 established the Lokpal — India's first national anti-corruption ombudsman — 46 years after the Administrative Reforms Commission first recommended it in 1966. The Lokpal has jurisdiction over the Prime Minister (with special safeguards), Union Ministers, MPs, and Class A–D government officers. It replaced, in some respects, the Central Vigilance Commission for senior officers.
What the Lokpal Can and Cannot Investigate
In Lokpal's Jurisdiction vs Excluded
As of May 2026, the Lokpal has received over 8,700 complaints since 2019. But there have been zero convictions directly attributed to Lokpal prosecution. Critics cite: (1) no independent investigation wing (relies on CBI, which the government controls); (2) the PM exemption for sensitive areas is very broad; (3) appointment delays — the bench sat empty for 3 years between 2017–2019 despite the Act being passed.
How to File a Lokpal Complaint
Identify the public servant
The accused must be a Union government public servant — PM, minister, MP, or central government officer (Group A/B/C/D).
Gather evidence
Lokpal needs documentary evidence — file notings, government orders, witness statements. Anonymous complaints with no evidence are typically dismissed.
File at lokpal.nic.in
Use Form 1 (complaint) or Form 2 (grievance). You must be the aggrieved party or a citizen filing in public interest.
Preliminary inquiry (45 days)
Lokpal decides if there's a prima facie case. If not, complaint dismissed. If yes, full investigation ordered.
Investigation (6 months)
Investigation delegated to CBI or Lokpal's own Inquiry Wing. Prosecution Branch files chargesheet in Special Court.
Lokpal vs Lokayukta — What's the Difference?
- Lokpal: National body for Union government employees and politicians
- Lokayukta: State-level equivalent, established by state laws (not all states have one)
- Karnataka's Lokayukta (1984) is oldest and most active — filed 700+ cases in 2024
- For complaints against state government employees: approach your state's Lokayukta or Anti-Corruption Bureau
- For CBI complaints directly: cbi.gov.in (but CBI jurisdiction limited — can't investigate state police)
Which of the following can the Lokpal investigate about the Prime Minister?
Deepak Rao
Ground Correspondent