As expected, the ninth and last meeting of the Joint Drafting Committee on the Lokpal Bill could not arrive at a common draft.
But the government came up with its own official draft for the first time and said both versions of the draft Bill would be circulated among the Chief Ministers and political parties ahead of the all-party meeting in July. Based on their responses and comments, the Cabinet would be approached to take a decision on the final draft to be presented before Parliament.
While the government claimed agreement over 34 out of the 40 points presented by the civil society members, the core points of difference remained the six contentious issues that had been responsible for the acrimony throughout.
The earlier differences between the two sides were on inclusion of Prime Minister within the ambit of the Bill as also the higher judiciary and conduct of MPs inside the House, funding model, CBI under Lokpal and Lokayuktas in state.
In the last meeting, two more issues were added when the two sides disagreed over who will constitute the panel to select Lokpal and who can approach the Supreme Court for removal.
Also see: the official sites: lokpalbillconsultation.org | Lokpal
Selection: Who should select the Lokpal? The government draft is lopsided, weighted in favour of politicians. The Civil Society draft panel is far more varied and representative.
Search Committee: The government is ambiguous whereas the Civil Society is clear
How to remove the Lokpal: The govt is ambiguous, the civil society version is neatly spelt out
Ambit of the Lokpal:
- PM: The govt version totally leaves out PM
- Judiciary: The government totally leaves out the higher judiciary. Investigation is currently with police which is why prior sanction of the CJI is required. The Civil Society draft provides the 7-member Lokpal panel to decide sanction.
- MPs: vote or speaking in Parliament under a bribe should be covered, says the Civil Society draft, pointing out again that the SC judgement in the JMM case was wrong.
Lokayuktas: Should be mandatory in states, says the Civil Society but the government version is totally silent.
Investigative Agency: The CBI should be under the Lokpal, says the Civil Society. The govt wants to keep it separate (and exempt from RTI) and under the political control.
| ALSO IN THIS STORY |
LOKPAL BILL The final version of the Jan Lokpal Bill |
Translate JUN 22, 2011 08:31 AM 1 | I agree with the government version on all points, except the selection process of Lokpal and the exclusion of the PM. Even in the government version, Lokpal will have extraordinary power. After selected by the committee, Lokpal's appointment must be ratified by the parliament with 2/3 majority. That's the only way Lokpal will have a sense of trust by the people. The inclusion of PM may be debatable in the current situation. It is better to watch the Lokpal's performance before deciding on the inclusion of PM. More important is the role of CBI. At present it is the tool of the ruling party to tackle the opposition. If not total control , Lokpal must some say in the functioning of CBI. |
JUN 22, 2011 06:49 PM 2 | Congress's version is not Lok Pal but Neta Pal Bill |
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