Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Former Supreme Court judge A.M. Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of the anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal, filling a vacancy that existed for nearly two years.
The Lokpal had been operating without a regular chief since the completion of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose’s term on May 27, 2022. Additionally, retired justices Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Sanjay Yadav, and Ritu Raj Awasthi have been appointed as judicial members, while Sushil Chandra, Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey will serve as non-judicial members.
About Lokpal:
It consists of a chairperson and up to eight members, with 50% being judicial members. 50% of Lokpal members are from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities, and women. Selection is made by a committee comprising the PM, Speaker of Lok Sabha, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India or a nominated Supreme Court judge. An eminent jurist is nominated by the President based on consensus among the committee members. Lokpal’s jurisdiction covers all public servants and entities receiving over Rs 10 lakh per year in foreign donations under FCRA are also under its purview.
