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.
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?
Explanation
Statement I is not correct. The jurisdiction of Lokpal covers public servants both within India and those posted outside India. Hence, Indian public servants posted abroad are not excluded from the ambit of Lokpal.
Statement II is not correct. While it is true that Members of Parliament and State Legislatures cannot be appointed as Lokpal Chairperson or Members, the Chairperson need not be only the Chief Justice of India. According to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, the Chairperson can be a former Chief Justice of India, a former Judge of the Supreme Court, or an eminent person of integrity and public service.
Statement III is correct. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act specifies that the Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person less than forty-five years of age at the time of appointment.
Statement IV is not correct. The Lokpal can inquire into allegations of corruption against the sitting Prime Minister. However, this is subject to certain safeguards and limitations under Section 14 of the Act.