Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

Question

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 (Correct answer)
2. B. II and III
3. C. I and IV
4. D. None of the above statements is correct

Correct Answer

Option A — III only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is III only.

Key Points

• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 states: The Chairperson or a Member shall not be less than 45 years of age on the date of assuming office — Statement III is correct.
• Statement I is incorrect (Lokpal's jurisdiction extends to Indian public servants posted abroad).
• Statement II is incorrect (the Chairperson need not be the CJI — any former SC judge or person of high integrity may serve).
• Statement IV is incorrect (Lokpal can inquire into a PM's corruption under specific conditions).
• Only Statement III is correct.