Lokpal of India — New Motto Adopted

Current Context : Recently, the Full Bench of the Lokpal of India adopted a new motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption.”

ABOUT LOKPAL

• Legal Basis: Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries.
• Jurisdiction: Covers all public servants including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials of government bodies.
• Composition: Comprised of a Chairperson + up to eight Members (four judicial, four non-judicial).
• Eligibility: Chairperson/Members must be ≥ 45 years, not lawmakers, and free of criminal convictions.
• Chairperson: Either the Chief Justice of India, a sitting Supreme Court judge, or an eminent person nominated by a high-level selection committee.
• Term: Five years or until reaching 70 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• Motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption” – replacing the old Sanskrit motto “Ma Gridhah Kasyasvid Dhanam.”