(THE GIST OF PIB) Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi sworn in as judicial member, Lokpal of India

(MARCH-2024)

Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, former Chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission of India, sworn in as Judicial Member of Lokpal.
Shri Pankaj Kumar, ex-Chief Secretary of Gujarat, and Shri Ajay Tirkey, former Secretary of Department of Land Resources, appointed as Members of Lokpal.
Outgoing members completed their tenure on March 26, 2024.
Ceremony attended by Central Vigilance Commissioner and senior officials of CBI and ED.

The Lokpal of India, established by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, serves as an anti-corruption ombudsman.
Comprising a Chairperson and a maximum of eight members, with at least 50% being judicial members, the Lokpal is appointed through a transparent process.
Its jurisdiction covers the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials, and employees of government-controlled organizations.
Endowed with powers to inquire into corruption allegations against public officials, the Lokpal can recommend appropriate actions and initiate investigations based on complaints or suo motu.
The Lokpal has its Investigation Wing for preliminary inquiries, with subsequent cases referred to investigative agencies for further action.
In addition to recommending criminal proceedings, the Lokpal can suggest preventive measures and systemic reforms to curb corruption in public administration.