Lokpal Bill is ready for RS

Lokpal Bill is ready for RS

The autonomy of the CBI has been retained, but at the same time its functional control and superintendence will remain in the Lokpal’s hands only in cases it is asked to inquire into by the ombudsman. The select committee has also provided a separate directorate of prosecution for the Lokpal, but with a proviso that it will also report to the CBI chief whose agency probes the corruption cases on its behalf. Sources say the committee has also suggested a mechanism to include the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and the chief justice and to finalise names for the appointment of the CBI director. It has also advocated for a fixed tenure of the CBI chief and financial autonomy for him. Differences on who selects the Lokpal have been sorted out. The president will initiate the impeachment proceedings for removal of the Lokpal only if a petition is signed by at least 100 MPs. The Lokpal gets a free hand to sanction preliminary inquiry or investigation into complaints against any public servant and to decide about filing of a charge sheet or otherwise before the special court on completion of such investigation. There is, however, still no clarity on the Lokpal ordering an inquiry against any public servant without seeking his views and that of his superiors on the complaint. The prime minister has been included within the Lokpal’s ambit but with some riders. He is exempted on issues of external and internal security, atomic energy and international relations. The same concession has been granted to the prime minister’s office in case of matters dealt by its officials regarding public order, internal security, atomic energy and external affairs. NGOs funded from abroad or by any government body will come within the Lokpal’s ambit.