Lokpal and Lokayukta were given formal recognition by the passing of The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013.
The Act applies to the public servants in and outside India. It is important to note that the Act includes in its purview even the current and ex-prime ministers of India except in matters pertaining to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space. According to the Act, the Lokpal shall consist of:
• A chairperson who has been a Chief Justice of India or is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or is an eminent judicial member of impeccable integrity and outstanding ability having special knowledge and expertise of not less than 25 years in matters relating to anti-** policy, public administration, vigilance or finance.
• Further, the total members of Lokpal shall not exceed 8, out of whom 50% shall be Judicial Members. Besides the Prime Minister, it brings within its purview any person who is or has been a Minister of the Union and any person who is or has been a Member of either Houseof Parliament. The Lokpal shall not inquire into any matter involved in, or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation of ** against any Member of either House of Parliament in respect of anything said or a vote given by him/her in Parliament or any committee thereof covered under the provisions contained in clause (2) of Article 105 of the Constitution.
