UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Lokpal asks SC to clarify on procedure for grant of sanctions

Q1. Whose sanction power for prosecution under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was the subject of the 2026 Supreme Court proceedings arising from the 'cash-for-query' case — i.e. which is the apex anti-corruption ombudsman of the Union?

  • A. The Lokpal
  • B. The Central Vigilance Commission
  • C. The Central Bureau of Investigation
  • D. The Comptroller and Auditor General

Q2. Under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, apart from the Chairperson, what is the maximum number of Members the Lokpal can have?

  • A. Six
  • B. Eight
  • C. Ten
  • D. Twelve

Q3. In the context of the 2026 Supreme Court examination of Section 20 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the term 'sanction for prosecution' most precisely means:

  • A. The prior approval that must be granted before a competent court can take cognizance of a corruption offence against a public servant
  • B. The Lokpal's absolute and final verdict of guilt that always binds the trial court
  • C. A mandatory order that invariably compels the CBI to immediately arrest the accused public servant
  • D. The automatic and unconditional permission that every chargesheet acquires once it is filed in any court

Q4. Which department/ministry of the Union Government is the nodal authority for matters relating to the Lokpal?

  • A. Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
  • B. Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice
  • C. Department of Internal Security, Ministry of Home Affairs
  • D. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances