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 the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to 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 as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be. IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. III only
2. B. II and III
3. C. I and IV
4. D. None of the above statements is correct

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, extends its jurisdiction to public servants of India, including those posted outside India, particularly concerning matters related to foreign contributions or donations. Statement II is incorrect. While the Chairperson or a Member cannot be an MP or MLA, the Chairperson is not exclusively the Chief Justice of India (incumbent or retired). A former Supreme Court Judge or an eminent person with 25 years of experience in relevant fields can also be the Chairperson. Statement III is correct. As per Section 3(3)(c) of the Lokpal Act, the Chairperson or a Member must be at least 45 years of age on the date of assuming office. Statement IV is incorrect. The Lokpal Act does allow for inquiries into allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister, though with specific safeguards and conditions, such as requiring a full bench approval and excluding matters of national security or public order. Therefore, only statement III is correct. The Lokpal’s powers and composition are important for UPSC Polity & Governance, especially in the context of anti-corruption mechanisms.