Q1. Which of the following features distinguishes the Swedish Ombudsman from the Indian Lokpal under the 2013 Act?
- Power to quash administrative decisions
- Jurisdiction over the judiciary
- Appointed by the legislature
- Can directly punish guilty officials
Correct Option: 2. Jurisdiction over the judiciary.
Explanation: The Swedish Ombudsman has jurisdiction over civil, judicial, and military officials—including judges. In contrast, the Indian Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over the judiciary.
Q2. According to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013), which body assists the Selection Committee in recommending names for Lokpal members?
- Appointments Committee
- Central Vigilance Commission
- National Advisory Council
- Search Committee
Correct Option: 4. Search Committee.
Explanation: The Search Committee assists the Selection Committee in identifying eligible candidates for Lokpal appointments. 50% of its members must be from SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and women.
Q3. Which of the following provisions under the Lokpal Act ensures representation from marginalized communities?
- Reservation in the Directorate of Prosecution
- 50% judicial members in the Lokpal
- 50% of Lokpal members from SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and women
- 33% reservation for women in the selection panel
Correct Option: 3. 50% of Lokpal members from SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and women.
Explanation: To ensure diversity and inclusion, half of the Lokpal’s composition must be from socially and economically underrepresented groups.
Q4. Which of the following statements about the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) is factually incorrect?
- Anonymous complaints are not accepted
- Lokpal cannot proceed suo motu against public officials
- Complaints against the Prime Minister follow a restricted process
- Lokpal has the power to initiate investigations on its own
Correct Option: 4. Lokpal has the power to initiate investigations on its own.
Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect. One of the drawbacks of the Act is that the Lokpal cannot act suo motu (on its own); it must receive a formal complaint.
Q5. Which of the following reflects the doctrine underlying the Ombudsman system in Scandinavian countries?
- Administrative accountability to the executive
- Judicial supremacy over public administration
- Administrative accountability to the legislature
- Independence of the bureaucracy
Correct Option: 3. Administrative accountability to the legislature.
Explanation: The Ombudsman reports to the Parliament, not the executive or judiciary, reinforcing legislative oversight of administration.