Jharkhand State PCS

• 24 Apr 2024

Notice on Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's Plea Against Lokpal Order

Why in News?

The Delhi High Court issued notice on a plea moved by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha against an order passed by the Lokpal of India directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate two properties which are under the party's name.

Key Points

• The order was passed on a complaint against Rajya Sabha MP. The Lokpal had directed CBI to probe the alleged benami properties linked to the MP within six months.
• It was submitted that the impugned order is beyond the jurisdiction of the Lokpal of India under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Lokpals

• About:
  • The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States.
  • These institutions are statutory bodies without any constitutional status.
• Functions:
  • They perform the function of an "ombudsman” and inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• It is the premier investigating police agency in India.
  • It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
• It functions under the superintendence of the Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India - which falls under the prime minister’s office.
  • However, for investigations of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission.
• It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
• Its conviction rate is as high as 65 to 70% and it is comparable to the best investigation agencies in the world.