Q1. Which institutional mechanism in socialist countries like Russia parallels the Lokpal system in India?
- Procurator System
- Administrative Courts
- Ombudsman
- Parliamentary Commissioner
Correct Option: 1. Procurator System.
Explanation: Countries like Russia have a Procurator System to redress citizen grievances. The Procurator-General ensures legality in administrative functioning.
Q2. What was the main reason that early Lokpal bills (1968–2001) failed to become law in India?
- Rejection by the President
- Supreme Court injunctions
- Dissolution of the Lok Sabha
- Non-approval by the Rajya Sabha
Correct Option: 3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Explanation: Several Lokpal bills lapsed because the Lok Sabha was dissolved before they could be passed (1968, 1971, 1977, 1985, etc.).
Q3. Which of the following statements about Lokpal’s power over CBI is correct?
- CBI functions under Lokpal in all corruption cases
- Lokpal has no say in CBI matters
- Lokpal can only recommend CBI investigations, not direct them
- Lokpal has superintendence and direction over CBI in referred cases
Correct Option: 4. Lokpal has superintendence and direction over CBI in referred cases.
Explanation: For cases referred by the Lokpal, it has supervisory powers over the CBI, including approval for transferring officers and controlling investigations.
Q4. Which statement about the role of the Prime Minister in the Lokpal selection process is correct?
- PM is excluded to maintain neutrality
- PM nominates the entire Search Committee
- PM chairs the Lokpal Selection Committee
- PM appoints Lokpal unilaterally
Correct Option: 3. PM chairs the Lokpal Selection Committee.
Explanation: The Prime Minister chairs the Selection Committee, which also includes the Speaker, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice or nominee, and an eminent jurist.
Q5. Which of the following is an incorrect match?
- Ombudsman-Sweden
- Parliamentary Commissioner-UK
- Administrative Courts-France
- Lokpal-Russia
Correct Option: 4. Lokpal-Russia.
Explanation: Russia has the Procurator System, not the Lokpal. Lokpal is specific to India.