Fri Jan 17 17:16:55 UTC 2025: ## Lokpal’s Limited Impact: Only 24 Cases Investigated in Five Years

**New Delhi, January 17, 2025** – Five years after its launch, India’s anti-corruption body, the Lokpal, has investigated only 24 cases and granted prosecution sanction in just six, according to data released today. The institution, established under the 2013 Lokpal Act, has faced significant challenges since its inception in 2019.

A large percentage of complaints (approximately 90%) have been rejected due to procedural issues, with nearly 2,320 “defect-free” complaints registered in the past five years. Of those processed, 3% targeted the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, or Union Ministers, while the remaining complaints were distributed amongst Central government officials (21%), Central government bodies (35%), and other entities including State government officials (41%). Three complaints were filed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself in late 2024.

The Lokpal’s operational efficiency has been hampered by staffing issues. The body is working to establish a permanent workforce, replacing temporary staff. Crucially, the Lokpal is awaiting government approval to fill key positions, including the Director of Inquiry and Director of Prosecution. Currently, preliminary inquiries and investigations are handled by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Lokpal is also developing new regulations and collaborating with various government agencies to streamline the complaint handling process.

Despite the setbacks, officials state that efforts are underway to improve the Lokpal’s effectiveness. However, the low number of cases investigated highlights significant challenges in the fight against corruption in India.

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