OVERa decade after a lawgoverning it was passed, anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal has constitutedanin quiry wing for conducting preliminary probe into graft-related offences committed by public servants. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 (Act of 2013) came into force on January 1, 2014, when it received assent of the President. However, it began functioning only on March 27, 2019, following the appointment of its chairperson and members. To discharge its statutory functions, Section11oftheAct obligates the Lokpalto constitute an inquiry wing for the purpose of conducting preliminary inquiry into any offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988,allegedtohavebeencommitted by the specified public servants and functionaries.

 

The full bench of Lokpal, in its meeting held on August 30, 2024, has decided to constitute an inquiry wing of the Lokpal,accordingtoanofficial order. Lokpal chairperson has been authorised to commence the selection process for appointment of specified number of suitablepersonsasofficersand staffrequired to provide logistical assistance in the inquiry wing, it said.

 

“Accordingly, in furtherance to the decision dated 30.08.2024 of the full bench of Lokpal of India, in exercise of administrative and financial power conferred as per Section 34 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013,aninquiry wing in terms of Sections 11 of the Act of 2013 is hereby constitutedwithimmediateeffect,” the Lokpal’s order, dated September 5 and issued by its chairperson Justice A M Khanwilkar, stated. The full bench of the Lokpal initsmeetingonAugust6,2024, had approved “organogram” providing for the staffing pattern and specified number of suitable officers and staff including forthe inquiry wing, making it a part of the judicial wing, the order said.