The PUNJAB LOKPAL ACT, 1996
punjab · 1997
The scanned source for this Act is imperfect — headings or section boundaries may be off. Verify against the official source.
- S. 1(1) This Act may be called the Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996
- S. 2Section 2 defines key terms used in the Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996, including "competent authority," "complaint," "corruption," and "misconduct."
- S. 3Section 3 defines misconduct by public officials and legislators, including corruption, abuse of position, and disproportionate wealth.
- S. 4—
- S. 5—
- S. 6—
- S. 7Section 7 outlines the process for removing a Lokpal or Up-Lokpal in Punjab, requiring legislative support and a judicial inquiry.
- S. 8Section 8 of the Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996, outlines the appointment of staff and the terms of service for assisting the Lokpal and Up-Lokpal in handling complaints.
- S. 9Section 9 empowers the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal to inquire into misconduct allegations against public officials, with a five-year statute of limitations.
- S. 10—
- S. 11(1) Any person other than a public servant may make a complaint under this Act to the Lokpal
- S. 12Section 12 outlines conditions under which the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal may dismiss complaints and the procedure for such dismissal.
- S. 13Section 13 outlines the procedure for conducting an inquiry after verifying a complaint, including forwarding it to relevant authorities and ensuring the accused's right to respond.
- S. 14Section 14 empowers the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal to conduct inquiries with powers akin to a civil court and allows disclosure of any information for the inquiry.
- S. 15Section 15 authorizes the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal to search and seize documents deemed useful for inquiries, with prior approval from the Governor.
- S. 16Section 16 outlines the procedures for the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal to investigate complaints and report findings to the competent authority.
- S. 17Section 17 specifies that salaries, allowances, and pensions for Lokpal and Up-Lokpal are charged to the state's consolidated fund.
- S. 18Section 18 ensures that information and evidence obtained by the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal during investigations are confidential and cannot be compelled to be disclosed in court.
- S. 19Section 19 prohibits disclosure of complaints against public officials under investigation by the Lokpal, with exceptions for disclosures under the Act or for approved purposes.
- S. 20Section penalizes intentional insults, interruptions, or actions that bring disrepute to the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal during inquiries or verifications.
- S. 21Section 21 allows the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal to summarily try and punish individuals for giving or fabricating false evidence in proceedings.
- S. 22Section penalizes false complaints under the Punjab Lokpal Act with imprisonment and fine, with only Sessions Court taking cognizance on Public Prosecutor's complaint.
- S. 23The Governor can direct the Lokpal to investigate misconduct allegations against public officials.
- S. 24Section 24 allows the Lokpal to recommend compensation to the government for a complainant if allegations are substantiated and compensation is deemed deserved.
- S. 25Section 25 protects the Lokpal and Up-Lokpal and their officials from legal proceedings for actions done in good faith under the Act.
- S. 26Section 26 allows the Lokpal or Up-Lokpal to delegate certain powers and duties to specified officers or agencies.
- S. 27Section 27 allows the State Government to create rules for implementing the Act, which must then be presented to the State Legislature for approval.
- S. 28Section 28 allows additional remedies under other laws for complaints made under the Punjab Lokpal Act.
- S. 29Section 29 repeals previous laws and preserves existing rights under the Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996.