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THELOKPALBILL,2011 ARRANGEMENTOFCLAUSES CHAPTERI PRELIMINARY Shorttitleandcommencement. Definitions. CHAPTERII ESTABLISHMENTOFLOKPAL EstablishmentofLokpal. AppointmentofchairpersonandotherMembersandSelectionCommittee. FillingofvacanciesofChairpersonorotherMembers. TermofofficeandotherconditionsofserviceofChairpersonandMembers. Salary,allowancesandotherconditionsofserviceofChairpersonandMembers. RemovalandsuspensionofChairpersonandotherMemberofLokpal. RestrictiononemploymentbyChairpersonandMembersafterceasingtoholdoffice. MembertoactasChairpersonortodischargehisfunctionsincertaincircumstances. Secretary,otherOfficersandstaffofLokpal. CHAPTERIII INVESTIGATIONWING InvestigationWing. Investigationofficertohavepowersofpolice. InvestigationofficertoinquireondirectionofLokpal. CHAPTERIV PROSECUTIONWING AppointmentofProsecutionDirector. CHAPTERV EXPENSESOFINSTITUTIONOFLOKPALTOBECHARGEDON CONSOLIDATEDFUNDOFINDIA ExpensesofLokpaltobechargedonConsolidatedFundofIndia. CHAPTERVI JURISDICTIONINRESPECTOFINQUIRY JurisdictionofLokpal. MatterspendingbeforeanycourtorcommitteeorauthoritybeforeinquirybeforeLokpalnottobe affected. ConstitutionofbenchesofLokpal. DistributionofbusinessamongstBenches PowerofChairpersontotransfercases Decisiontobebymajority. CHAPTERVII PROCEDUREINRESPECTOFINQUIRYANDINVESTIGATION Provisionsrelatingtocomplaintsandinquiryandinvestigation. Personslikelytobeprejudiciallyaffectedtobeheard. Lokpalmayrequireanypublicservantoranyotherpersontofurnishinformation,etc. PrevioussanctionnotnecessaryforinvestigationandinitiatingprosecutionbyLokpalincertaincases. ActiononinquiryinrelationtopublicservantsnotbeingminstersorMembersofParliament. ActiononinquiryagainstpublicservantbeingministersorMembersofParliament. CHAPTERVIII POWERSOFLOKPAL Searchandseizure. Lokpaltohavepowersofcivilcourtincertaincases. Powertopunishforcontempt. PowerofLokpaltoutiliseservicesofofficersofCentralorStateGovernment. Provisionalattachmentofassets.

1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

12. 13. 14.

15.

16.

17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.

23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.

29. 30. 31. 32. 33.

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34. 35. 36. 37.

38. 39.

40. 41.

42.

43. 44. 45. 46.

47. 48.

49.

50. 51.

52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62.

Confirmationofattachmentofassets. PowerofLokpaltorecommenddiscontinuanceofactivityconnectedwithallegationofcorruption. PowerofLokpaltogivedirectionstopreventdestructionofrecordsduringinquiry. Powertodelegate. CHAPTERIX SPECIALCOURTS SpecialCourtstobenotifiedbyCentralGovernment. LetterofrequesttoacontractingStateincertaincases. CHAPTERX COMPLAINTSAGAINSTCHAIRPERSON,MEMBERSANDOFFICIALSOFLOKPAL ComplaintsagainstChairpersonandMembersnottobeinquiredbyLokpal. ComplaintsagainstofficialsofLokpal. CHAPTERXI ASSESSMENTOFLOSSANDRECOVERYTHEREOFBYSPECIALCOURT AssessmentoflossandrecoverythereofbySpecialCourt. CHAPTERXII FINANCE,ACCOUNTSANDAUDIT Budget. GrantsbyCentralGovernment. Annualstatementofaccounts. Furnishingofreturns,etc.,toCentralGovernment. CHAPTERXIII DECLARATIONOFASSETS Declarationofassets. Presumptionastoacquisitionofassetsbycorruptmeansincertaincases. CHAPTERXIV CITIZENSCHARTER Citizenscharter. CHAPTERXV OFFENCESANDPENALTIES Prosecutionforfalsecomplaintandpaymentofcompensation,etc.,topublicservant. Falsecomplaintmadebysocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust. CHAPTERXVI MISCELLANEOUS Protectionofactiontakeningoodfaithbyanypublicservant. Protectionofactiontakeningoodfaithbyothers. Members,officersandemployeesofLokpaltobepublicservants. BarofJurisdiction. Acttohaveoverridingeffect. ProvisionofthisActtobeinadditionofotherlaws. Amendmentofcertainenactments. Powertomakerules. PowerofLokpaltomakeregulations. Layingofrulesandregulations. Powertoremovedifficulties.

THEFIRSTSCHEDULE THESECONDSCHEDULE

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THELOKPALBILL,2011 A BILL toprovidefortheestablishmentoftheinstitutionofLokpaltoinquireinto allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for mattersconnectedtherewith. WHEREAStheConstitutionofIndiaestablishedademocraticRepublicto ensurejusticeforall; AND WHEREAS good governance is the bedrock of democracy and the guaranteeofdevelopmentasarightofthecitizen; AND WHEREAS Parliament has progressively and incrementally contributed to the body of law to fulfil the aspirations of the citizens of India; AND WHEREAS various institutions of governance as well as democratic institutionshaveworkedtostrengthenparticipatorydemocracy; ANDWHEREAStherapidgrowthofdemocraticandeconomicinstitutions havebroughtnewchallengesofaccountabilityandintegrityinthecourse ofgovernance; AND WHEREAS graft and corruption have become a serious menace to societyandgovernance; AND WHEREAS serious concerns have been expressed about the grave consequencesofcorruptioninhighplaces; AND WHEREAS India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention AgainstCorruption; AND WHEREAS the countrys commitment to clean and responsive governance has to be reflected in an effective institution to contain and punishactsofcorruption; NOW, THEREFORE, it is expedient to provide for prompt and fair investigationandprosecutionofcasesofcorruption.

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BEitenactedbyParliamentintheSixtysecondYearoftheRepublicof Indiaasfollows: CHAPTERI PRELIMINARY 1.(1)ThisActmaybecalledtheLokpalAct,2011.

Shorttitleand commencement.

(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates maybeappointedfordifferentprovisionsofthisActandanyreferencein any provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as referencetothecomingintoforceofthatprovision.

2.(1)InthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires, (a)"Bench"meansaBenchoftheLokpal; (b)ChairpersonmeanstheChairpersonoftheLokpal; (c)competentauthority,inrelationto (i) a member of the Council of Ministers, means the Prime Minister; (ii) a member of Parliament other than a Minister means the Council of States in the case of a member of that Council and the HouseofthePeopleinthecaseofamemberofthatHouse; (iii) an officer in the Ministry or Department of the Central Government means the Minister in charge of the Ministry or Departmentunderwhichsuchofficerisserving; (iv) a chairperson or members of any body, or Board or corporation or authority or company or society or autonomous body(bywhatevernamecalled)establishedorconstitutedunderan Act of Parliament or wholly or partly financed by the Central GovernmentorcontrolledbyitmeanstheMinisterinchargeofthe administrative Ministry of such body, or Board or corporation or authorityorcompanyorsocietyorautonomousbody; (v)anofficerofanybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityor companyorsocietyorautonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled) establishedorconstitutedunderan ActofParliamentorwholly or partlyfinancedbytheCentralGovernmentorcontrolledbyitmeans the head of such body or Board or corporation or authority or companyorsocietyorautonomousbody; (d)complaintmeansacomplaintallegingthatapublicservanthas committed an offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act,1988; (e) inquiry means every inquiry conducted under this Act by the Lokpal; (f) Judicial Member means a Judicial Member of the Lokpal appointedassuch;

Definitions. 49of1988.

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(g)Lokpalmeanstheinstitutionestablishedundersection3; (h)MembermeansaMemberoftheLokpal; (i) Minister means an Union Minister but does not include the PrimeMinister; (j)notification meansnotificationpublishedintheOfficialGazetteand theexpressionnotifyshallbeconstruedaccordingly; (k)prescribedmeansprescribedbyrulesmadeunderthisAct; (l)publicservantmeansapersonreferredtoinclauses(a)to(e) ofsubsection(1)ofsection17; (m)regulationsmeansregulationsmadeunderthisAct; (n)SchedulemeansaScheduletothisAct; (o) Special Court means a Special Court appointed under sub section(1)ofsection3ofthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.
49of1988.

(2) Words and expressions used herein and not defined in this Act but defined in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, shall have the meaningsrespectivelyassignedtotheminthatAct. CHAPTERII ESTABLISHMENTOFLOKPAL 3. (1) As from the commencement of this Act, there shall be established, for the purpose of making inquiries in respect of complaints madeunderthisAct,aninstitutiontobecalledtheLokpal. (2)TheLokpalshallconsistof (a)aChairperson;and (b) ten Members, out of whom at least four shall be Judicial Members.

Establishmentof Lokpal.

(3)Apersonshallbeeligibletobeappointed, (a)astheChairpersonoraMemberifheisapersonofimpeccable integrity,outstandingabilityandstandinghavingspecialknowledgeof, andprofessionalexperienceofnotlessthantwentyfiveyearsin,public affairs, administrative law and policy, academics, commerce and industry,law,financeormanagement; (b)asaJudicialMemberifheisorhasbeenaChiefJusticeofaHigh CourtoraJudgeoftheSupremeCourt. (4)TheChairpersonoraMembershallnotbeamemberofParliament oramemberoftheLegislatureofanyStateorUnionterritoryandshallnot holdanyofficeoftrustorprofit(otherthanhisofficeastheChairpersonor a Member) or be connected with any political party or carry on any businessorpractiseanyprofessionandaccordingly,beforeheentersupon hisoffice,apersonappointedastheChairpersonoraMember,asthecase maybe,shall,if (a)heisamemberofParliamentoroftheLegislatureofanyState

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orUnionterritory,resignfromsuchmembership;or (b)heholdsanyofficeoftrustorprofit,resignfromsuchoffice;or (c) he is connected with any political party, sever his connection withit;or (d) he is carrying on any business, sever his connection with the conductandmanagementofsuchbusiness;or (e) he is practicing any profession, cease to practise such profession.

(5)TheChairpersonandeveryMembershall,beforeenteringuponhis office,makeandsubscribebeforethePresidentanoathoraffirmationin theformsetoutintheFirstSchedule. 4. (1) The Chairperson and Members shall be appointed by the PresidentafterobtainingtherecommendationsofaSelectionCommittee consistingof (a)thePrimeMinisterchairperson; (b)theSpeakeroftheHouseofthePeoplemember; (c) the Leader of the House other than the House in which the PrimeMinisterisaMemberofParliamentmember; (d) the Minister incharge of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the GovernmentofIndiamember; (e) the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People member; (f)theLeaderoftheOppositionintheCouncilofStatesmember: Providedthatincase,thereisnoLeaderofOppositionintheHouse ofthePeopleortheCouncilofStates,theleaderofthesinglelargest grouporpartyinoppositiontotheGovernment,asthecasemaybe,in such House or Council shall be deemed to be a member of the Committeespecifiedinclause(e)orclause(f),asthecasemaybe: (g)onesittingJudgeoftheSupremeCourttobenominatedbythe ChiefJusticeofIndiamember; (h)onesittingChiefJusticeofaHighCourttobenominatedbythe ChiefJusticeofIndiamember; (i)thePresidentoftheNationalAcademyofSciences,India,beinga society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the seniormostNationalProfessormember; (j)CabinetSecretarysecretary. (2) No appointment of a Chairperson or a Member shall be invalid merelybyreasonofanyvacancyintheCommittee.

Appointmentof Chairperson andother Membersand Selection Committee.

21of1860.

(3) The Selection Committee may, if it considers necessary for the purposes of selecting the Chairperson and other members of the Lokpal andforpreparingapanelofpersonstobeconsideredforappointmentas

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such, constitute a Search Committee consisting of such persons of impeccable integrity and outstanding ability and standing having special knowledge of, and professional experience of not less than twentyfive years in, public affairs, administrative law and policy, academics, commerceandindustry,law,finance,management,orinanyothermatter whichintheopinionoftheSelectionCommittee,maybeusefulinmaking selectionofChairpersonandotherMembersoftheLokpal.

(4) The Selection Committee shall regulate its own procedure for selecting the Chairperson and Members of the Lokpal which shall be transparent. (5)Thetermofthesearchcommitteereferredtoinsubsection(3)and feeandallowancespayabletothemembersofthesearchcommitteeand the manner of selection of panel of names shall be such as may be prescribed. 5.ThePresidentshalltakeorcausetobetakenallnecessarystepsfor theappointmentofanewChairpersonandotherMembersatleastthree monthsbeforetheexpiryofthetermofsuchChairpersonorMember,as thecasemaybe,inaccordancewiththeprocedurelaiddowninthisAct. 6. The Chairperson and every other Member shall, on the recommendations of the Selection Committee, be appointed by the Presidentbywarrantunderhishandandsealandholdofficeassuchfora termnotexceedingfiveyearsfromthedateonwhichheentersuponhis officeoruntilheattainstheageofseventyyears,whicheverisearlier: Providedthathemay (a) by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office;or (b) beremovedfromhisofficeinthemannerprovidedinsection8.

Fillingof vacanciesof Chairpersonor other Members. Termofoffice ofChairperson andMembers.

Salary, allowancesand other conditionsof serviceof Chairperson andMembers.

7.Thesalary,allowancesandotherconditionsofserviceof (i)theChairpersonshallbethesameasthoseoftheChiefJusticeof India; (ii) other Members shall be the same as those of a Judge of the SupremeCourt: Provided that if the Chairperson or a Member is, at the time of his appointment, in receipt of pension (other than disability pension) in respect of any previous service under the Government of India or under the Government of a State, his salary in respect of service as the Chairpersonor,asthecasemaybe,asaMember,bereduced (a) bytheamountofthatpension;and (b) ifhehas,beforesuchappointment,received,inlieuofaportion of the pension due to him in respect of such previous service, the commutedvaluethereof,bytheamountofthatportionofthepension: Providedfurtherthatthesalary,allowancesandpensionpayable to,andotherconditionsofserviceof,theChairpersonoraMembershall

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notbevariedtohisdisadvantageafterhisappointment.
Removaland suspensionof Chairperson andother Memberof Lokpal.

8.(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(3),theChairpersonor any other Member shall be removed from his office by order of the President on grounds of misbehaviour after the Supreme Court, on a reference being made to it by the President, has, on inquiry held in accordancewiththeprocedureprescribedinthatbehalf,reportedthatthe ChairpersonorsuchotherMember,asthecasemaybe,oughtonanysuch groundtoberemoved. (2) The President may suspend from office the Chairperson or any other Member in respect of whom a reference has been made to the SupremeCourtundersubsection(1)untilthePresidenthaspassedorders onreceiptofthereportoftheSupremeCourtonsuchreference. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), the President may by order remove from the office the Chairperson or any otherMemberiftheChairpersonorsuchotherMember,asthecasemay be, (a)isadjudgedaninsolvent;or (b) engages during his term of office in any paid employment outsidethedutiesofhisoffice;or (c)is,intheopinionofthePresident,unfittocontinueinofficeby reasonofinfirmityofmindorbody. (4)IftheChairpersonoranyotherMemberisorbecomesinanyway concerned or interested in any contract or agreement made by or on behalf of the Government of India or the Government of a State or participates in any way in the profit thereof or in any benefit or emolumentarisingtherefromotherwisethanasamemberandincommon with the other members of an incorporated company, he shall, for the purposesofsubsection(1),bedeemedtobeguiltyofmisbehaviour.

Restrictionon employmentby Chairperson andMembers afterceasingto holdoffice.

9. (1) On ceasing to hold office, the Chairperson and every other Membershallbeineligiblefor (i)reappointmentastheChairpersonoraMemberoftheLokpal; (ii) any diplomatic assignment, appointment as administrator of a Union territory and such other assignment or appointment which is requiredbylawtobemadebythePresidentbywarrantunderhishand andseal; (iii) further employment to any other office of profit under the GovernmentofIndiaortheGovernmentofaState; (iv)contestinganyelectionofPresidentorVicePresidentorMemberof eitherHouseofParliamentorMemberofeitherHouseofStateLegislature orMunicipalityorPanchayat.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), a Member shall be eligible to be appointed as a Chairperson, if his total tenure as MemberandChairpersondoesnotexceedfiveyears.

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Membertoact asChairperson ortodischarge hisfunctionsin certain circumstances.

10. (1) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of Chairpersonbyreasonofhisdeath,resignationorotherwise,thePresident may, by notification, authorise the seniormost Member to act as the Chairperson until the appointment of a new Chairperson to fill such vacancy. (2)WhentheChairpersonisunabletodischargehisfunctionsowingto absenceonleaveorotherwise,theseniormostMemberavailable,asthe Presidentmay,bynotification,authoriseinthisbehalf,shalldischargethe functions of the Chairperson until the date on which the Chairperson resumeshisduties.

Secretary,other Officersand staffofLokpal.

11.(1)Theappointmentofsecretaryandotherofficersandstaffofthe LokpalshallbemadebytheChairpersonorsuchotherMemberorofficer ofLokpalastheChairpersonmaydirect: ProvidedthatthePresidentmaybyrulerequirethattheappointment in respect of any post or posts as may be specified in the rule, shall be madeafterconsultationwiththeUnionPublicServiceCommission. (2) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the conditionsofserviceofsecretaryandotherofficersandstaffoftheLokpal shallbesuchasmaybespecifiedbyregulationsmadebytheLokpalforthe purpose: Providedthattheregulationsmadeunderthissubsectionshall,sofar as they relate to salaries, allowances, leave or pensions, require the approvalofthePresident.

CHAPTERIII INVESTIGATIONWING 12.Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinanylawforthetimebeing inforce,theLokpalshallconstituteanInvestigationWingforthepurpose ofconductinginvestigationofanyoffenceallegedtohavebeencommitted by a public servant punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Provided that till such time the Investigation Wing is constituted by the Lokpal, the Central Government shall make available such number of investigation officers and other staff from such of its Ministries or Departments, as may be required by the Lokpal, for carrying out investigationunderthisAct. 13. (1) No investigation shall be made by an investigation officer of the Investigation Wing below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Policeorbyanyotherofficerofequivalentrank. (2) The investigation officers of the Investigation Wing shall have in relation to the investigation of such offences, all the powers,duties, privileges and liabilities which police officers have in connection with the investigationofsuchoffences. 14.(1)TheLokpalmay,beforeholdinganyinquiryunderthisAct,byan order,requiretheinvestigationofficerofitsInvestigationWingtomake,or cause to be made, a preliminary investigation in such manner as it may

Investigation Wing.

49of1988.

Investigation officertohave powersof police.

Investigation officerto inquireon directionof

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Lokpal.

direct and submit a report to the Lokpal, within such time as may be specified by the Lokpal, to enable it to satisfy itself as to whether or not thematterrequirestobeinquiredintobytheLokpal. (2)Theinvestigationofficeronreceiptofanorderundersubsection(1) shall complete the investigation and submit his report within the time specifiedunderthatsubsection.

CHAPTERIV PROSECUTIONWING 15. (1) The Lokpal may, by notification, constitute a prosecution wing andappointaprosecutionDirectorandsuchotherofficersandemployees toassisttheprosecutionDirectorforthepurposeofprosecutionofpublic servantsinrelationtoanycomplaintbytheLokpalunderthisAct. (2)TheprosecutionDirectorshall,afterhavingbeensodirectedbythe Lokpal, file a complaint before the Special Court, and take all necessary steps in respect of the prosecution of public servants in relation to any offencepunishableunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988.

Appointment of Prosecution Director.

49of1988.

CHAPTERV EXPENSESOFINSTITUTIONOFLOKPALTOBECHARGEDON CONSOLIDATEDFUNDOFINDIA 16. The expenses of the Lokpal, including all salaries, allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of the Chairperson, members or secretary or other officers or staff of the Lokpal, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and any fees or other moneys taken by the LokpalshallformpartofthatFund. CHAPTERVI JURISDICTIONINRESPECTOFINQUIRY 17. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Lokpal shall inquireintoanymatterinvolvedin,orarisingfrom,orconnectedwith,any allegationofcorruptionbyapublicservantmadeinacomplaintinrespect ofthefollowing,namely: (a)anypersonwhoisorhasbeenaMinisteroftheUnionotherthan thePrimeMinister; (b) any person who is or has been a Member of either House of Parliament; (c) any Group A officer or equivalent or above, when serving or whohasserved,inconnectionwiththeaffairsoftheUnion; (d) any chairperson or member or officer equivalent to Group A officer referred to in clause (c) or equivalent or above in any body or Board or corporation or authority or company or society or autonomousbody(bywhatevernamecalled)establishedorconstituted underanActofParliamentorwhollyorpartlyfinancedbytheCentral Governmentorcontrolledbyit; (e)anydirector,manager,secretaryorotherofficerofeveryother

Expensesof Lokpaltobe chargedon Consolidated FundofIndia.

Jurisdictionof Lokpal.

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society or association of persons or trust (whether registered under anylawforthetimebeinginforceornot)whollyorpartlyfinancedby the Government or in receipt of any sums under the Foreign 49of1976. Contribution(Regulation)Act,1976oranydonationfromthepublic: ProvidedthattheLokpalshallnotinquireintoanymatterinvolvedin, or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation of corruption againstanyMemberofeitherHouseofParliamentinrespectofanything said or a vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof coveredundertheprovisionscontainedinclause(2)ofarticle105ofthe Constitution. (2)TheLokpalmayinquireintoanyactorconductofanypersonother thanthosereferredtoinsubsection(1),ifsuchpersonisassociatedwith theallegationofcorruptionunderthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988. (3) No matter in respect of which a complaint has been made to the LokpalunderthisAct,shallbereferredforinquiryundertheCommissions ofInquiryAct,1952.
Matters pendingbefore anycourtor committeeor authority beforeinquiry beforeLokpal nottobe affected. 45of1988. 60of1952. 49of1988.

18.Incaseanymatterorproceedingrelatedtoallegationofcorruption underthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988hasbeenpendingbeforeany court or committee of either House of Parliament or before any other authoritypriortocommencementofthisActorpriortocommencementof any inquiry after the commencement of this Act, such matter or proceedingshallbecontinuedbeforesuchcourt,committeeorauthority. Explanation. For the removal of doubts, it is herby declared that continuanceofsuchmatterorproceedingbeforeanycourtorcommittee of either House of Parliament or before any other authority, except for such matters as are protected under clause (2) of article 105 of the Constitution or are pending before a court, shall not affect the power of theLokpaltoinquireintosuchmatterunderthisAct. 19.(1)SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct, (a) the jurisdiction of the Lokpal may be exercised by benches thereof; (b) a bench may be constituted by the Chairperson with two or moreMembersastheChairpersonmaydeemfit; (c) every bench shall ordinarily consist of at least one Judicial Member; (d)whereabenchconsistsoftheChairperson,suchbenchshallbe presidedoverbytheChairperson; (e)whereabenchconsistsofaJudicialMember,andanonJudicial Member,notbeingtheChairperson,suchbenchshallbepresidedover bytheJudicialMember; (f)thebenchesoftheLokpalshallordinarilysitatNewDelhiandat suchotherplacesastheLokpalmay,byregulations,specify.

Constitutionof benchesof Lokpal.

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(2)TheLokpalshallnotifytheareasinrelationtowhicheachbenchof theLokpalmayexercisejurisdiction. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (2), the Chairperson shall have the power to constitute or reconstitute benches fromtimetotime. (4)Ifatanystageofthehearingofanycaseormatteritappearstothe ChairpersonoraMemberthatthecaseormatterisofsuchanaturethatit ought to be heard by a bench consisting of three or more Members, the caseormattermaybetransferredbytheChairpersonor,asthecasemay be, referred to him for transfer, to such bench as the Chairperson may deemfit. 20.Wherebenchesareconstituted,theChairpersonmay,fromtimeto time,bynotification,makeprovisionsastothedistributionofthebusiness oftheLokpalamongstthebenchesandalsoprovideforthematterswhich maybedealtwithbyeachbench. 21. On an application for transfer made by the complainant or the publicservant,theChairperson,aftergivinganopportunityofbeingheard tothecomplainantorthepublicservant,asthecasemaybe,maytransfer anycasependingbeforeonebenchfordisposaltoanyotherbench. 22. If the Members of a bench consisting of two Members differ in opinion on any point, they shall state the point or points on which they differ,andmakeareferencetotheChairpersonwhoshalleitherhearthe pointorpointshimselforreferthecaseforhearingonsuchpointorpoints by one or more of the other Members of the Lokpal and such point or points shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority of the MembersoftheLokpalwhohaveheardthecase,includingthosewhofirst heardit. CHAPTERVII PROCEDUREINRESPECTOFINQUIRYANDINVESTIGATION 23. (1) The Lokpal, on receipt of a complaint, may either make preliminaryinquiryordirectitsInvestigationWing,tomakeapreliminary investigation to ascertain whether there exists a prima facie case for proceedinginthematter. (2)Everypreliminaryinquiryorpreliminaryinvestigationreferredtoin subsection(1)shallordinarilybecompletedwithinaperiodofthirtydays andforreasonstoberecordedinwriting,withinafurtherperiodofthree monthsfromthedateofreceiptofthecomplaint. (3)Uponcompletionofthepreliminaryinvestigation,theinvestigating authorityshallsubmititsreporttotheLokpal. (4) Before the Lokpal comes to the conclusion in the course of a preliminary inquiry and after submission of a report referred to in sub section (3) that a prima facie is made out against the public servant pursuant to such a preliminary inquiry, the Lokpal shall afford the public

Distribution of business amongst Benches

Power of Chairperson to transfer cases

Decisiontobe bymajority.

Provisions relatingto complaintsand inquiryand investigation.

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servant an opportunity to be heard consistent with principles of natural justice.

(5) Where the Lokpal, after receiving the report of the investigating authority pursuant to a preliminary investigation or conclusion of the preliminary inquiries as referred to in subsection (1) is satisfied that no prima facie case is made out for proceeding further in the matter, the complaint shall be closed and the decision thereon be communicated to thecomplainantandthepublicservant. (6)WheretheLokpalisoftheopinionthatprimafaciecaseismadeout and refers the matter for investigation, upon completion of such investigationandbeforefilingthechargesheet,thepublicservantagainst whomsuchinvestigationisbeingconductedshallbegivenanopportunity tobeheardconsistentwiththeprinciplesofnaturaljustice. (7) EveryinquiryconductedbytheLokpal,uponbeingsatisfiedthat a primafaciecaseismadeout,shallbeopentothepublicprovidedthatin exceptionalcircumstancesandforreasonstoberecordedinwritingbythe Lokpal,suchinquirymaybeconductedincamera. (8) In case the Lokpal proceeds to inquire into the complaint, it shall hold such inquiry as expeditiously as possible and complete the inquiry within a period of six months from the date of receipt of the complaint which,forreasonstoberecordedinwriting,maybeextendedbyafurther periodofsixmonths. (9) The public servant against whom an inquiry is being conducted undersubsection(8)shallbegivenanopportunitytobeheardconsistent withtheprinciplesofnaturaljustice. (10) Where in a case the Lokpal is of the opinion and reason to be recordedinwritingthatitisnotintheinterestofjusticetoeitherholda preliminaryinquiryorpreliminaryinvestigation,itmayreferthematterfor investigation. (11) Upon completion of such investigation but before filing a charge sheet, the investigating authority shall place the records in its possession along with it prima facie conclusion before the Lokpal who shall before directingthatachargesheetbefiledaffordthepublicservantconcerned anopportunitytobeheardconsistentwiththeprinciplesofnaturaljustice. (12) If the Lokpal proposes to inquire into a complaint, it may, at any stage, (a) pass appropriate orders for safe custody of the documents relevanttotheinquiryasitdeemsfit;and (b)forwardacopyofthecomplainttothepublicservantconcerned

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along with all relevant material relied upon and afford him an opportunitytorepresenthiscase. (13) The website of the Lokpal shall, from time to time and in such mannerasmaybespecifiedbyregulations,displaytothepublic,thestatus ofnumberofcomplaintspendingbeforeitordisposedofbyit. (14)TheLokpalmaywithholdtherecordsandevidencewhicharelikely toimpedetheprocessofinquiryorconductofacasebyitortheSpecial Court. (15) Save as otherwise provided, the manner and procedure of conductinganinquiryorinvestigationunderthisAct,shallbesuchasmay bespecifiedbyregulations.
Personslikelyto beprejudicially affectedtobe heard.

24.If,atanystageoftheproceeding,theLokpal (a)considersitnecessarytoinquireintotheconductofanyperson otherthantheprospectiveaccused;or (b) is of opinion that the reputation of any person other than a accusedislikelytobeprejudiciallyaffectedbytheinquiry, the Lokpal shall give to that person a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the inquiry and to produce evidence in his defence, consistent withtheprinciplesofnaturaljustice: Provided that nothing in this section shall apply where the credibility ofawitnessisbeingimpeached.

Lokpalmay requireany publicservant oranyother personto furnish information, etc. Previous sanctionnot necessaryfor investigation andinitiating prosecutionby Lokpalin certaincases.

25. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, for the purpose of any inquiry or investigation, the Lokpal or the investigating authority, as the casemaybe,mayrequireanypublicservantoranyotherpersonwho,in itsopinion,isable tofurnishinformationorproducedocumentsrelevant tosuchinquiryorinvestigation,tofurnishanysuchinformationorproduce anysuchdocument. 26.(1)Nosanctionorpermissionorauthorisationshallberequiredby theLokpaloritsInvestigationWingundersection6AoftheDelhiSpecial Police Establishment Act, 1946, or section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 for the purpose of making inquiry by the Lokpal or investigation by its Investigation Wing into any complaint against any public servant or for filing of any complaint in respect thereof before the Special Court under thisAct. (2)ASpecialCourtmay,notwithstandinganythingcontainedinsection 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, or section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on a complaint filed by the Lokpal or any officer authorised by it in this behalf, take cognizance of offence committed by anypublicservant. (3)Nothingcontainedinsubsections(1)and(2)shallapplyinrespectof

25of1946. 2of1974. 49of1988. 25of1946. 2of1974. 49of1988.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

the persons holding the office in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution and in respect of which a procedure for removal of such personhasbeenspecifiedtherein. (4) The provisions contained in subsections (1), (2) and (3) shall be without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in article 311andsubclause(c)ofclause(3)ofarticle320oftheConstitution.
Actionon inquiryin relationto publicservants notbeing minstersor Membersof Parliament.

27.(1)Whereaftertheconclusionoftheinquiryorinvestigation,the findings of the Lokpal disclose the commission of an offence under the PreventionofCorruptionAct,1988byapublicservantreferredtoinclause (c)orclause(d)ofsubsection(1)ofsection17,theLokpalmay (a))fileacaseintheSpecialCourtandsendacopyofthereport togetherwithitsfindingstothecompetentauthority; (b) recommend to the competent authority the initiation of discliplinary proceedings under the rules of disciplinary proceedings applicabletosuchpublicservant; (c) provide a copy of the report to the public servant or his representative; (2)Thecompetentauthorityshall,withinaperiodofthirtydaysofthe receipt of recommendation under clause (b) of subsection (1), initiate disciplinary proceedings against the delinquent public servant accused of committing offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and forward its comments on the report, including the action taken or proposedtobetakenthereon,totheLokpalordinarilywithinsixmonthsof initationofsuchdisciplinaryproceedings.

49of1988. 49of1988.

Actionon inquiryagainst publicservant beingministers orMembersof Parliament.

28. (1) (1) Where after the conclusion of the inquiry or investigation, thefindingsoftheLokpaldisclosethecommissionofanoffenceunderthe PreventionofCorruptionAct,1988byapublicservantreferredtoinclause (a)orclause(b)ofsubsection(1)ofsection17,theLokpalmayfileacase in the Special Court and shall send a copy of the report together with its findingstothecompetentauthority; (2)TheSpeaker,inthecaseoftheMinisteroraMemberoftheHouse ofthePeople,andtheChairmanoftheCouncilofStates,inthecaseofa Member of that Council shall, as soon as may be, after the receipt of reportundersubsection(1),causethesametobelaidbeforetheHouse of the People or the Council of States, as the case may be, while it is in session,andiftheHouseofthePeopleortheCouncilofStates,asthecase maybe,isnotinsession,withinaperiodofoneweekfromthereassembly ofthesaidHouseortheCouncil,asthecasemaybe. (3)Thecompetentauthorityshall examinethereportforwarded toit under subsection (1) and communicate to the Lokpal, within a period of ninety days from the date of receipt of the report, the action taken or proposedtobetakenonthebasisofthereport. Explanation. In computing the period of ninety days referred to in this subsection, any period during which Parliament or, as the case may

49of1988.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

be,eitherHouseofParliament,isnotinsession,shallbeexcluded.

CHAPTERVIII POWERSOFLOKPAL 29.(1)IftheLokpalhasreasontobelievethatanydocumentwhich,in itsopinion,shallbeusefulfor,orrelevantto,anyinvestigationorinquiry under this Act, are secreted in any place, it may authorise any officer of InvestigationWing,tosearchforandtoseizesuchdocuments. (2) If the Lokpal is satisfied that any document seized under sub section (1) would be evidence for the purpose of any investigation or inquiry under this Act and that it would be necessary to retain the document in its custody or in the custody of such officer as may be authorised,itmaysoretainordirectsuchofficerauthorisedtoretainsuch documenttillthecompletionofsuchinvestigationorinquiry: Provided that where any document is required to be returned, the Lokpalortheauthorisedofficermayreturnthesameafterretainingcopies ofsuchdocumentdulyauthenticated. (3)TheprovisionsoftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1973relatingto searches shall, so far as may be, apply to searches under this section subjecttothemodificationthatsubsection(5)ofsection165ofthesaid CodeshallhaveeffectasifforthewordMagistrate,whereveritoccurs therein, the words Lokpal or any officer authorised by it were substituted.

Searchand seizure.

2of1974.

Lokpaltohave powersofcivil courtincertain cases.

30.(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,forthepurposeofany inquiry,theLokpalshallhaveallthepowersofacivilcourt,undertheCode of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit in respect of the following matters,namely: (i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examininghimonoath; (ii)requiringthediscoveryandproductionofanydocument; (iii)receivingevidenceonaffidavits; (iv)requisitioninganypublicrecordorcopythereoffromanycourt oroffice; (v) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents: Providedthatsuchcommission,incaseofawitness,shallbeissued onlywherethewitness,intheopinionoftheLokpal,isnotinaposition toattendtheproceedingbeforetheLokpal;and (vi)suchothermattersasmaybeprescribed. (2)AnyproceedingbeforetheLokpalshallbedeemedtobeajudicial proceedingwithinthemeaningofsection193oftheIndianPenalCode. Explanation. For the purposes of this section, public servant shall

5of1908.

45of1960.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

havethesamemeaningasisinsection21oftheIndianPenalCode.
Powerto punishfor contempt.

31. The Lokpal shall have, and exercise, jurisdiction, powers and authority in respect of contempt of itself as the High Court has and may exercisesuchpowerorauthority,forthispurposeundertheprovisionsof the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which shall have effect subject to the modificationthat (a) any reference therein to a High Court shall be construed as includingareferencetotheLokpal; (b)anyreferencetotheAdvocateGeneralinsection15ofthesaid ActshallbeconstruedasareferencetosuchlawofficerastheLokpal mayspecifyinthisbehalf: ProvidedthatsuchmattersshallbeheardbyaSpecialBenchconsisting offiveMembersconstitutedbytheChairperson.

70of1971.

PowerofLokpal toutilise servicesof officersof CentralorState Government.

32. (1) The Lokpal may, for the purpose of conducting any inquiry, utilise the services of any officer or investigation agency of the Central GovernmentoranyStateGovernment,asthecasemaybe. (2) For the purpose of investigating into any matter pertaining to the inquiry,anyofficeroragencywhoseservicesareutilisedundersubsection (2)may,subjecttothedirectionandcontroloftheLokpal, (a)summonandenforcetheattendanceofanypersonandexamine him; (b)requirethediscoveryandproductionofanydocument;and (c)requisitionanypublicrecordorcopythereoffromanyoffice. (3)Theofficeroragencywhoseservicesareutilisedundersubsection (2)shallinvestigateintoanymatterpertainingtotheinquiryandsubmita reportthereontotheLokpalwithinsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedbythe Lokpalinthisbehalf.

Provisional attachmentof assets.

33.(1)WheretheLokpaloranyinvestigationofficerauthorisedbyitin this behalf, has reason to believe, the reason for such belief to be be recordedinwriting,onthebasisofmaterialinhispossession,that (a)anypersonisinpossessionofanyproceedsofcorruption; (b)suchpersonisaccusedofhavingcommittedanoffencerelating tocorruption;and (c)suchproceedsofoffencearelikelytobeconcealed,transferred or dealt with in any manner which may result in frustrating any proceedings relating to confiscation of such proceeds of offence, he may,byorderinwriting,provisionallyattachsuchpropertyforaperiod not exceeding ninety days from the date of the order, in the manner providedintheSecondScheduletotheIncometaxAct,1961andthe Lokpalshallbedeemedtobeanofficerundersubrule(e)ofrule1of thatSchedule: (2) The Lokpal shall, immediately after attachment under subsection (1),forwardacopyoftheorder,alongwiththematerialinhispossession,

43of1961.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

referredtointhatsubsection,totheSpecialCourt,inasealedenvelope, inthemannerasmaybeprescribedandsuchCourtmayextendtheorder of attachment and keep such material for such period as the Court may deemfit. (3) Everyorderofattachmentmade undersubsection (1)shallcease tohaveeffectaftertheexpiryoftheperiodspecifiedinthatsubsectionor aftertheexpiryoftheperiodasdirectedbytheSpecialCourtundersub section(2). (4) Nothing in this section shall prevent the person interested in the enjoyment of the immovable property attached under subsection (1) or subsection(2),fromsuchenjoyment. Explanation. For the purposes of this subsection, person interested, in relation to any immovable property, includes all persons claimingorentitledtoclaimanyinterestintheproperty.
Confirmationof attachmentof assets.

34. (1) The Lokpal, when it provisionally attaches any property under subsection (1) of section 33 shall, within a period of thirty days of such attachment, direct its prosecution wing to file an application stating the facts of such attachment before the Special Court and make a prayer for confirmation of attachment of the property till completion of the proceedingsagainstthepublicservantintheSpecialCourt. (2) The Special Court may, if it is of the opinion that the property provisionallyattachedhadbeenacquiredthroughcorruptmeans,makean orderforconfirmationofattachmentofsuchpropertytillthecompletion oftheproceedingsagainstthepublicservantintheSpecialCourt. (3)Ifthepublicservantissubsequentlyacquittedofthechargesframed againsthim,theproperty,subjecttotheordersoftheSpecialCourt,shall berestoredtotheconcernedpublicservantalongwithbenefitsfromsuch propertyasmighthaveaccruedduringtheperiodofattachment. (4) If the public servant is subsequently convicted of the charges of corruption,theproceedsrelatabletotheoffenceunderthePreventionof Corruption Act, 1988 shall be confiscated and vest in the Central Government free from any encumbrance or leasehold interest excluding anydebtduetoanybankorfinancialinstitution. Explanation. For the purposes of this subsection, the expressions bank, debt and financial institution shall have the meanings respectivelyassignedtotheminclauses(d),(g)and(h)ofsection2ofthe RecoveryofDebtsDuetoBanksandFinancialInstitutionsAct,1993.

49of1988. 51of1993.

PowerofLokpal torecommend transferor suspensionof publicservant connectedwith allegationof corruption.

35. (1) Where the Lokpal, while making an inquiry into allegations of corruption,isprimafaciesatisfied,onthebasisofevidenceavailable,that (a) the continuance of the public servant referred to in clause (c) or clause (d) of subsection (1) of section 17 in his post while conducting theinquiryislikelytoaffectsuchinquiryadversely;or (b)thepublicservantreferredtoinclause(a)islikelytodestroyorin

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

anywaytamperwiththeevidenceorinfluencewitnesses, then,theLokpalmayrecommendtotheCentralGovernmentfortransfer or suspension of such public servant from the post held by him till such periodasmaybespecifiedintheorder. (2) The Central Government shall ordinarily accept the recommendationoftheLokpalmadeundersubsection(1),exceptforthe reasons to be recorded in writing in a case where it is not feasible for administrativereasons.
PowerofLokpal togive directionsto prevent destructionof recordsduring inquiry.

36.TheLokpalmay,indischargeofitsfunctionsunderthisAct,issue appropriate directions to a public servant entrusted with the preparation orcustodyofanydocumentorrecord (a)toprotectsuchdocumentorrecordfromdestructionordamage; or (b) to prevent the public servant from altering or secreting such documentorrecord;or (c)topreventthepublicservantfromtransferringoralienatingany assetsallegedlyacquiredbyhimthroughcorruptmeans.

Powerto delegate.

37.TheLokpalmay,bygeneralorspecialorderinwriting,andsubject tosuchconditionsandlimitationsasmaybespecifiedtherein,directthat anyadministrativeorfinancialpowerconferredonitmayalsobeexercised ordischargedbysuchofitsMembersorofficersoremployeesasmaybe specifiedintheorder. CHAPTERIX SPECIALCOURTS 38.(1)TheCentralGovernmentshallconstitutesuchnumberofSpecial Courts, as recommended by the Lokpal, to hear and decide the cases arisingoutofthePreventionofCorruptionAct,1988orunderthisAct. (2) The Special Courts constituted under subsection (1) shall ensure completionofeachtrialwithinaperiodofoneyearfromthedateoffiling ofthecaseintheCourt: Provided that in case the trial cannot be completed within a period of oneyear,theSpecialCourtshallrecordreasonsthereforandcompletethe trialwithinafurtherperiodofnotmorethanthreemonthsorsuchfurther periods not exceeding three months each, for reasons to be recorded in writing, before the end of each such three month period, but not exceedingatotalperiodoftwoyears.

SpecialCourts tobenotified byCentral Government.

49of1988.

Letterof requesttoa contracting Stateincertain cases.

39.(1)Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinthis ActortheCodeof CriminalProcedure,1973if,inthecourseofaninquiryorinvestigationinto anoffenceorotherproceedingunderthisAct,anapplicationismadetoa SpecialCourtbytheInvestigationOfficeroftheLokpalthatanyevidenceis requiredinconnectionwiththeinquiryorinvestigationintoanoffenceor proceedingunderthisActandheisoftheopinionthatsuchevidencemay beavailableinanyplaceinacontractingState,andtheSpecialCourt,on being satisfied that such evidence is required in connection with the

2of1974.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

inquiryorinvestigationintoanoffenceorproceedingunderthisAct,may issuealetterofrequesttoacourtoranauthorityinthecontractingState competenttodealwithsuchrequestto (i)examinethefactsandcircumstancesofthecase; (ii)takesuchstepsastheSpecialCourtmayspecifyinsuchletterof request;and (iii) forward all the evidence so taken or collected to the Special Courtissuingsuchletterofrequest. (2) The letter of request shall be transmitted in such manner as the CentralGovernmentmayprescribeinthisbehalf. (3) Every statement recorded or document or thing received under subsection(1)shallbedeemedtobeevidencecollectedduringthecourse oftheinquiryorinvestigation.

CHAPTERX COMPLAINTSAGAINSTCHAIRPERSON,MEMBERSANDOFFICIALSOF LOKPAL 40.(1)TheLokpalshallnotinquireintoanycomplaintmadeagainstthe ChairpersonoranyMember.

Complaints against Chairperson andMembers nottobe inquiredby Lokpal.

(2)AnycomplaintagainsttheChairpersonorMembershallbemadeby anapplicationbythepartyaggrieved,tothePresident. (3)ThePresidentshall,incasethereexistsaprimafaciecaseforbiasor corruption,makeareferencetotheChiefJusticeofIndiainsuchmanner as may be prescribed for inquiring into the complaint against the ChairpersonorMember. (4) The President shall decide the action against the Chairperson or MemberonthebasisoftheopinionoftheChiefJusticeofIndiaandincase the President is satisfied on the basis of the said opinion that the Chairperson or the Member is biased or has indulged in corruption, the President shall, notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1) of section 8, remove such Chairperson or Member and also order for initiationofprosecutionincaseofallegationofcorruption. 41. (1) Every complaint of allegation of wrongdoing made against any officer or employee or investigation agency under or associated with the Lokpal for offence punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988shallbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection. (2) The Lokpal shall complete the inquiry into the complaint or allegationmade,withinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateofitsreceipt. (3) While making an inquiry into the complaint against any officer or employeeoftheLokpaloragencyengagedorassociatedwiththeLokpal,if itisprimafaciesatisfiedonthebasisofevidenceavailable,that (a)continuanceofsuchofficeroremployeeoftheLokpaloragency

Complaints againstofficials ofLokpal.

49of1988.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

engagedorassociatedinhispostwhileconductingtheinquiryislikelyto affectsuchinquiryadversely;or (b) an officer or employee of the Lokpal or agency engaged or associatedislikelytodestroyorinanywaytamperwiththeevidenceor influencewitnesses, then, the Lokpal may, by order, suspend such officer or employee of the LokpalordivestsuchagencyengagedorassociatedwiththeLokpalofall powersandresponsibilitiesheretobeforeexercisedbyit. (4)Onthecompletionoftheinquiry,iftheLokpalissatisfiedthatthere is prima facie evidence of the commission of an offence under the PreventionofCorruptionAct,1988orofanywrongdoing,itshall,withina period of fifteen days of the completion of such inquiry, order to prosecute such officer or employee of the Lokpal or such officer, employee, agency engaged or associated with the Lokpal and initiate disciplinaryproceedingsagainsttheofficialconcerned: Providedthatnosuchordershallbepassedwithoutgivingsuchofficer or employee of the Lokpal or person, agency engaged or associated, a reasonableopportunityofbeingheard.
49of1988.

CHAPTERXI ASSESSMENTOFLOSSANDRECOVERYTHEREOFBYSPECIALCOURT

Assessmentof lossand recovery thereofby SpecialCourt.

42.IfanypublicservantisconvictedofanoffenceunderthePrevention ofCorruptionAct,1988bytheSpecialCourt,notwithstandingandwithout 45of1988. prejudice to any law for the time being in force, it may make an assessment of loss, if any, caused to the public exchequer on account of theactionsordecisionsofsuchpublicservantnottakeningoodfaithand for which he stands convicted, and may order recovery of such loss, if possibleorquantifiable,fromsuchpublicservantsoconvicted: ProvidedthatiftheSpecialCourt,forreasonstoberecordedinwriting, comestotheconclusionthatthelosscausedwaspursuanttoaconspiracy with the beneficiary or beneficiaries of actions or decisions of the public servant so convicted, then such loss may, if assessed and quantifiable under this section, may also be recovered from such beneficiary or beneficiariesproportionately.

CHAPTERXII FINANCE,ACCOUNTSANDAUDIT 43. The Lokpal shall prepare, in such form and at such time in each financialyearasmaybeprescribed,itsbudgetforthenextfinancialyear, showingtheestimatedreceiptsandexpenditureoftheLokpalandforward thesametotheCentralGovernmentforinformation. 44. The Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliamentbylawinthisbehalf,maketotheLokpalgrantsofsuchsumsof moneyasarerequiredtobepaidforthesalariesandallowancespayable to the Chairperson and other Members and the administrative expenses, includingthesalariesandallowancesandpensionpayabletoorinrespect

Budget.

GrantsbyCentral Government.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

ofofficersandotheremployeesoftheLokpal.

45. (1) The Lokpal shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant recordsandprepareanannualstatementofaccountsinsuchformasmay be prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with the ComptrollerandAuditorGeneralofIndia. (2)TheaccountsoftheLokpalshallbeauditedbytheComptrollerand AuditorGeneralofIndiaatsuchintervalsasmaybespecifiedbyhim. (3) The Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India or any person appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the LokpalunderthisActshallhavethesamerights,privilegesandauthorityin connection with such audit, as the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India generally has, in connection with the audit of the Government accountsand,inparticular,shallhavetherighttodemandtheproduction ofbooks,accounts,connectedvouchersandotherdocumentsandpapers andtoinspectanyoftheofficesoftheLokpal. (4)TheaccountsoftheLokpal,ascertifiedbyComptrollerandAuditor General of India or any other person appointed by him in this behalf, togetherwiththeauditreportthereon,shallbeforwardedannuallytothe CentralGovernmentandtheCentralGovernmentshallcausethesameto belaidbeforeeachHouseofParliament.

Annualstatement ofaccounts.

46.(1)TheLokpalshallfurnishtotheCentralGovernment,atsuchtime and in such form and manner as may be prescribed or as the Central Government may request, such returns and statements and such particularsinregardtoanymatterunderthejurisdictionoftheLokpal,as theCentralGovernmentmay,fromtimetotime,require. (2)TheLokpalshallprepare,onceeveryyear,insuchformandatsuch time as may be prescribed, an annual report, giving a summary of its activities during the previous year and copies of the report shall be forwardedtotheCentralGovernment. (3)Acopyofthereportreceivedundersubsection(2)shallbelaidby the Central Government, as soon as may be after it is received, before eachHouseofParliament.

Furnishingof returns,etc.,to Central Government.

CHAPTERXIII DECLARATIONOFASSETS 47. (1) Every public servant shall make a declaration of his assets and liabilitiesinthemannerasprovidedbyorunderthisAct. (2)Apublicservantshall,withinaperiodofthirtydaysfromthedateon which he makes and subscribes an oath or affirmation to enter upon his office,furnishtothecompetentauthoritytheinformationrelatingto (a)theassetsofwhichhe,hisspouseandhisdependentchildrenare, jointlyorseverally,ownersorbeneficiaries; (b)hisliabilitiesandthatofhisspouseandhisdependentchildren. (3) A public servant holding his office as such, at the time of the commencement of this Act, shall furnish information relating to such

Declarationof assets.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

assets and liabilities, as referred to in subsection (2) to the competent authoritywithinthirtydaysofthecomingintoforceofthisAct. (4) Every public servant shall file with the competent authority, on or before the 31st July of every year, an annual return of such assets and liabilities, as referred to in subsection (2), as on the 31st March of that year. (5)Theinformationundersubsection(2)orsubsection(3)andannual returnundersubsection(4)shallbefurnishedtothecompetentauthority insuchformandinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed. (6) The competent authority in respect of each office or Department shallensurethatallsuchstatementsarepublishedonthewebsiteofsuch officerorDepartmentby31stAugustofthatyear. Explanation. For the purposes of this section, dependent children means sons and daughters who have no separate means of earning and arewhollydependentonthepublicservantfortheirlivelihood.
Presumptionas toacquisitionof assetsby corruptmeans incertaincases.

48.Ifanypublicservantwilfullyorforreasonswhicharenotjustifiable, failsto (a)todeclarehisassets;or (b)givesmisleadinginformationinrespectofsuchassetsandis foundtobeinpossessionofassetsnotdisclosedorinrespectofwhich misleadinginformationwasfurnished, thensuchassetsshall,unlessotherwiseproved,bepresumedtobelongto thepublicservantandshallbepresumedtobeassetsacquiredbycorrupt means: Provided that the competent authority may condone or exempt the public servant from furnishing information in respect of assets not exceedingsuchminimumvalueasmaybeprescribed.

CHAPTERXIV CITIZENSCHARTER 49.(1)Every, (a)MinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernmentor anybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor autonomous body (by whatever name called) established or constituted or incorporated under an Act of Parliament or wholly or partlyfinancedbytheCentralGovernmentorcontrolledbyit;and (b)everyothersocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust(whether registered or not) wholly or partly financed by the Government or in receiptofanysumsundertheForeignContribution(Regulation)Actor anydonationfrompublic, shallprepareandpublishachartertobeknownasCitizensCharterwithin aperiodofoneyearfromthecommencementofthisAct. (2) The Citizens Charter referred to in subsection (1) shall specify to

Citizens charter.

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

thecitizensthecommitmentsof, (a)theMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsociety or autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trustreferredtointhatsubsection; (b)theofficerresponsibleformeetingsuchcommitment;and (c)thetimewithinwhichsuchcommitmentshallbecompliedwith alongwithotherrelevantdetailsrelatingtopublicdeliveryofservices orfulfilmentofitsobjectives. (3)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trust referred to in subsection (1) shall designate an officer to be called the PublicGrievanceRedressalOfficertowhomanyaggrievedpersonmayfile acomplaintfornoncomplianceoftheCitizensCharter: (4)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor autonomousbodyorothersocietyorassociationofpersonsortrustshall appoint at least one Public Grievance Redressal Officer in each district whereithasanoffice. (5)EveryMinistryorDepartmentorofficeoftheCentralGovernment oranybodyorBoardorcorporationorauthorityorcompanyorsocietyor autonomous body or other society or association of persons or trust referredtoinsubsection(1)shallreviewandreviseitsCitizensCharterat leastonceinayear.

CHAPTERXV OFFENCESANDPENALTIES 50.(1)NotwithstandinganythingcontainedinthisAct,whoevermakes any false and frivolous or vexatious complaint under this Act shall, on conviction,bepunished withimprisonmentforatermwhichshallnotbe lessthantwoyearsbutwhichmayextendtofiveyearsandwithfinewhich shallnotbelessthantwentyfivethousandrupeesbutwhichmayextend totwolakhrupees. (2) No Court, except a Special Court, shall take cognizance of an offenceundersubsection(1). (3) No Special Court shall take cognizance of an offence under sub section (1) except on a complaint made by a person against whom the false,frivolousorvexatiouscomplaintwasmade. (4)Theprosecutioninrelationtoanoffenceundersubsection(1)shall be conducted by the public prosecutor and all expenses connected with suchprosecutionshallbebornebytheCentralGovernment.

Prosecutionfor falsecomplaint andpaymentof compensation, etc.,topublic servant.

(5)Incaseofconvictionofaperson[beinganindividualorsocietyor association of persons or trust (whether registered or not)], for having made a false complaint under this Act, such person shall be liable to pay

DRAFT LOKPAL BILL 21ST June, 2011 04:00PM

compensation to the public servant against whom he made the false complaintinadditiontothelegalexpensesforcontestingthecasebysuch publicservant,astheSpecialCourtmaydetermine.
Falsecomplaint madeby societyor associationof personsor trust.

51. (1) Where any offence under section 50 has been committed by anysocietyorassociationofpersonsortrust(whetherregisteredornot), everypersonwho,atthetimetheoffencewascommitted,wasdirectlyin chargeof,andwasresponsibleto,thesocietyorassociationofpersonsor trust,fortheconductofthebusinessoraffairsoractivitiesofthesociety orassociationofpersonsortrustaswellassuchsocietyorassociationof persons or trust shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liabletobeproceededagainstandpunishedaccordingly: Provided that nothing contained in this subsection shall render any suchpersonliabletoanypunishmentprovidedinthisAct,ifheprovesthat the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had exercisedallduediligencetopreventthecommissionofsuchoffence. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1), where an offenceunderthisActhasbeencommittedbyasocietyorassociationof persons or trust (whether registered or not) and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributabletoanyneglectonthepartof,anydirector,manager,secretary or other officer of such society or association of persons or trust, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punishedaccordingly.

CHAPTERXVI MISCELLANEOUS 52.Nosuit,prosecutionorotherlegalproceedingsunderthisActshalllie against any public servant, in respect of anything which is done in good faithorintendedtobedoneinthedischargeofhisofficialfunctionsorin exerciseofhispowers. 53.Nosuit,prosecutionorotherlegalproceedingsshalllieagainstthe Lokpaloragainstanyofficer,employee,agencyoranyperson,inrespect ofanythingwhichisdoneingoodfaithorintendedtobedoneunderthis Act. 54. The Chairperson, Members, officers and other employees of the Lokpalshallbedeemed,whenactingorpurportingtoactinpursuanceof anyoftheprovisionsofthisAct,tobepublicservantswithinthemeaning ofsection21oftheIndianPenalCode. 55.Nocivilcourtshallhavejurisdictioninrespectofanymatterwhich theLokpalisempoweredbyorunderthisActtodetermine. 56. The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any enactment other than this Act or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any enactment otherthanthisAct. 57. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, and not in

Protectionof actiontakenin goodfaithby anypublic servant. Protectionof actiontakenin goodfaithby others.

Members, officersand employeesof Lokpaltobe publicservants. Barof Jurisdiction. Acttohave overriding effect.

45of1860.

Provisionofthis Acttobein

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additionof otherlaws. Amendmentof certain enactments. Powertomake rules.

derogationof,anyotherlawforthetimebeinginforce. 58. The enactments specified in the Second Schedule shall be amendedinthemannerspecifiedtherein. 59. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,makerulestocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters,namely: (a)thetermofthesearchcommittee,feeandallowancespayableto itsmembersandthemannerofselectionofpanelofnamesundersub section(5)ofsection4; (b) the procedure of inquiry into misbehaviour for removal of the ChairpersonoranyotherMemberundersubsection(1)ofsection8; (c) the post or posts in respect of which the appointment shall be made after consultation with the Union Public Service Commission undertheprovisotosubsection(1)ofsection11; (d) other matters for which the Lokpal shall have the powers of a civilcourtunderclause(vi)ofsubsection(1)ofsection30; (e) the manner of sending the order of attachment along with the materialtotheSpecialCourtundersubsection(2)ofsection33; (f) the manner of transmitting the letter of request under sub section(2)ofsection39; (g) the manner of making reference to the Chief Justice of India undersubsection(3)ofsection40; (h) the form and the time for preparing in each financial year the budgetforthenextfinancialyear,showingtheestimatedreceiptsand expenditureoftheLokpalundersection43; (i)theformformaintainingtheaccountsandotherrelevantrecords andtheformofannualstatementofaccountsundersubsection(1)of section45; (j)theformandmannerandthetimeforpreparingthereturnsand statementsalongwithparticularsundersubsection(1)ofsection46; (k) the form and the time for preparing an annual report giving a summaryofitsactivitiesduringthepreviousyearundersubsection(2) ofsection46; (l) the form of annual return to be filed by a public servant under subsection(5)ofsection47; (m) the minimum value for which the competent authority may condone or exempt a public servant from furnishing information in respectofassetsundertheprovisotosection48;

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(n)anyothermatterwhichistobeormaybeprescribed.
PowerofLokpal tomake regulations.

60. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, the Lokpal may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make regulationstocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the followingmatters,namely:

(a)theconditionsofserviceofthesecretaryandotherofficersand staff of the Lokpal and the matters which in so far as they relate to salaries, allowances, leave or pensions, require the approval of the Presidentundersubsection(2)ofsection11; (b)theplaceofsittingsofbenchesoftheLokpalunderclause(f)of subsection(1)ofsection19; (c) the manner for displaying on the website of the Lokpal, the statusofallcomplaintspendingordisposedofalongwithrecordsand evidencewithreferencetheretoundersubsection(13)ofsection23; (d) the manner and procedure of conducting an inquiry or investigationundersubsection(15)ofsection23; (e) any other matter which is required to be, or may be, specified underthisAct.

Layingofrules andregulations.

61.EveryruleandregulationmadeunderthisActshallbelaid,assoon asmaybeafteritismade,beforeeachHouseofParliament,whileitisin session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one sessionorintwoormoresuccessivesessions,andif,beforetheexpiryof the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation,orbothHousesagreethattheruleorregulationshouldnotbe made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modifiedformorbeofnoeffect,asthecasemaybe;so,however,thatany such modificationorannulmentshall bewithoutprejudiceto thevalidity ofanythingpreviouslydoneunderthatruleorregulation. 62. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette,makesuchprovisionsnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthis Act,asmayappeartobenecessaryforremovingthedifficulty: Providedthatnosuchordershallbemadeunderthissectionafterthe expiryofaperiodoftwoyearsfromthecommencementofthisAct. (2)Everyordermadeunderthissectionshallbelaid,assoonasmaybe afteritismade,beforeeachHouseofParliament.

Powerto remove difficulties.

THEFIRSTSCHEDULE [Seesection3(5)] I, A.B having been appointed Chairperson (or a Member) of the Lokpal, do swear in the name of God / solemnly affirm

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thatIwillbeartruefaithandallegiancetotheConstitutionofIndiaasby law established, that I will duly faithfully and to the best of my ability, knowledgeandjudgmentperformthedutiesofmyofficewithoutfearor favour,affectionorillwill.

THESECONDSCHEDULE [Seesection58] AMENDMENTTOCERTAINENACTMENTS

PARTI AMENDMENTTOTHEDELHISPECIALPOLICEESTABLISHMENTACT,1946 (25of1946) In section 6A, for the words The Delhi Special Police Establishment, thewordsSaveasotherwiseprovidedintheLokpalAct,2011,theDelhi SpecialPoliceEstablishmentshallbesubstituted. PARTII AMENDMENTTOTHECOMMISSIONSOFINQUIRYACT,1952 (60of1952) In section 3, in subsection (1), for the words The appropriate Government may, the words, brackets and figures Save as otherwise providedintheLokpalAct,2011,theappropriateGovernmentmayshall besubstituted. PARTIII AMENDMENTTOTHEPREVENTIONOFCORRUPTIONACT,1988 (49of1988) 1. In section 13, in subsection (2), for the words seven years, the wordstenyearsshallbesubstituted; 2. In section 14, for the words seven years, the words ten years shallbesubstituted. 3. In section 19, after the words except with the previous sanction, the words save as otherwise provided in the Lokpal Act, 2011 shall be inserted. PARTIV AMENDMENTTOTHECODEOFCRIMINALPROCEDURE,1973 (2of1974) Insection197,afterthewordsexceptwiththeprevioussanction,the words save as otherwise provided in the Lokpal Act, 2011 shall be inserted. ____________________

Amendmentof section6A.

Amendmentof section3.

Amendmentof section13. Amendmentof section14. Amendmentof section19.

Amendmentof section197.