Lokpal’s anti-corruption machinery under scrutiny as panel seeks operationalisation details

A Parliamentary Committee has sought a detailed roadmap from the government on operationalising the inquiry and prosecution wings of the Lokpal , more than a decade after the anti-corruption law was enacted.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 , came into force on January 1, 2014, but the institution began functioning only on March 27, 2019, following the appointment of its chairperson and members. Under Section 11 of the Act, the Lokpal is mandated to have an inquiry wing , headed by a Director of Inquiry, to conduct preliminary inquiries into corruption-related offences. Similarly, a prosecution wing , led by a Director of Prosecution, is meant to handle legal proceedings against public servants. Simply put, the prosecution wing is the branch that takes investigated cases to court for trial and conviction.

In its 160th report , the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice noted that the appointment of the Director of Inquiry and the full staffing of the inquiry wing according to the approved structure are still in progress. The panel has asked the government to provide the current status and the steps being taken to ensure full statutory functioning , including proper coordination with other investigative agencies.

Regarding the prosecution wing , the panel observed that it has been formally constituted via an order dated June 6, 2025. However, prosecution matters are currently handled by the CBI , which already has its own mechanism. The committee has requested details on the operationalisation timeline and plans to make the prosecution wing fully functional under the law.

The panel also raised concerns about the notification of a dedicated special court under Section 35 of the Act. While discussions with the Delhi High Court are ongoing, cases are currently being tried by special judges appointed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 , with Lokpal sanction.

Citing rising complaints, the committee highlighted that 318 corruption complaints were registered during 2024-25, of which 288 were disposed of . The Lokpal had received 292 complaints in 2024-25 and 166 in 2023-24. The panel recommended an urgent review of staffing , pointing out that 24 out of 65 sanctioned positions remain vacant. Filling these positions is critical for the Lokpal to perform its statutory duties efficiently and without interruption .

Challenges and Limitations:

Despite its legal powers, the Lokpal faces multiple hurdles. Its inquiry and prosecution wings are yet to function fully , more than a decade after the 2013 Act. Staff shortages in critical positions slow down investigations, while reliance on the CBI for prosecutions can create overlaps or delays. The lack of a dedicated special court under Section 35 slows adjudication, and coordination with investigative agencies and state authorities remains a work in progress. Additionally, while the Lokpal has statutory authority to investigate and prosecute public servants, its practical effectiveness is limited by bureaucratic and procedural hurdles.

These issues underscore that while the Lokpal has significant anti-corruption powers , translating them into effective action on the ground remains a major challenge.