Evaluate the powers and limitations of Lokpal in India.

Critical Evaluation of the Powers and Limitations of Lokpal in India:

1. Statutory Mandate:
Enacted under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, Lokpal is India's supreme anti-corruption statutory ombudsman body tasked with investigating corruption allegations against public functionaries.

2. Substantive Powers:

• Expansive Jurisdiction: Covers Prime Minister (with specific safeguards), Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and all Central Government civil servants across Groups A, B, C, and D.
• Superintendence over CBI: Exercises statutory superintendence over the CBI for cases referred by it; investigating officers cannot be transferred without Lokpal's prior consent.
• Civil Court Powers: Vested with powers to issue summons, enforce witness attendance, conduct searches and seizures, and provisionally attach ill-gotten assets.
• Special Anti-Corruption Courts: Empowers speedy trials through dedicated Special Courts.

3. Major Institutional Limitations:

• Immunity Exceptions for the PM: Cannot investigate allegations against the Prime Minister concerning international relations, external security, atomic energy, or space.
• Absence of Independent Investigative Wing: Heavily reliant on state agencies (CBI, Delhi Special Police Establishment) prone to administrative bottlenecks.
• 7-Year Limitation Clause: Barred from inquiring into offenses committed more than seven years prior to the complaint date.
• No Suo Moto Jurisdiction: Cannot initiate inquiries on its own motion without a formally submitted complaint.

Conclusion: Endowing Lokpal with an autonomous investigative cadre and suo moto powers is essential to achieve a truly corruption-free republic.