Lokpal law needs modifications to 'check any scope of discretion', ensure proper enforcement

The law governing the functioning of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal needs modifications to "check any scope of discretion" and ensure its proper enforcement, sources said on Sunday.

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They said there is a "strong feeling" in certain quarters of the government to now "reconsider" some provisions of the law, enacted over a decade ago.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 (Act of 2013) came into force on January 1, 2014, when it received the assent of the President. It, however, began functioning only on March 27, 2019, following the appointment of its chairperson and members.

The Lokpal is headed by a chairperson, who is at present former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar, and can have eight members-- four each judicial and non-judicial.

"There is a strong feeling in certain quarters of the government to now reconsider some provisions of the Lokpal Act to check any scope of discretion and ensure its proper enforcement," a source said.