009- Apr 6 ⚖️ Lokpal Gets New Members – Reviving India’s Anti-Corruption Machinery
On April 6, 2025, the President of India approved the appointment of three new members to the Lokpal, strengthening the country’s highest anti-corruption body after a period of operational dormancy.
This marks a renewal of faith in institutional vigilance and sets the tone for greater accountability in public life.
🧭 What is the Lokpal?
The Lokpal of India is a statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
It is empowered to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries — including the Prime Minister, Ministers, and Members of Parliament.
🏛️ New Appointees – Who They Are
| Name | Background |
|---|---|
| Justice (Retd.) Arvind Nair | Former Chief Justice of Patna High Court |
| Dr. Lakshmi S. Verma | Renowned legal scholar & former NHRC member |
| R. K. Mathur (Retd.) | Former Defence Secretary, experienced in public ethics |
These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, with representation from the Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition.
🧠 Why This Matters
- Revives credibility of the Lokpal institution
- Fulfills a constitutional promise of integrity in governance
- Encourages citizen confidence in public redressal systems
- Sets an example for State Lokayuktas to strengthen their own teams
📜 Lokpal – Key Features
- 🧾 Can initiate probes into corruption cases
- 🧑⚖️ Has powers of prosecution, search, and seizure
- 🔍 Includes a Lokpal Bench (Chairperson + Judicial + Non-Judicial Members)
- 🏛️ Reports annually to the President
🧭 Relevance for Exams
- GS2: Statutory Bodies, Governance, Transparency
- GS4: Ethics, Accountability, Integrity
- Essay: “Power corrupts only when accountability sleeps.”
✨ Conclusion
“Lokpal is not just an institution — it’s a mirror held up to power.”
With new minds and renewed trust, the Lokpal stands once again — ready to defend the public interest, investigate without fear or favor, and remind every office bearer that service must always stand under the light of scrutiny.
