The Lokpal Bill

In the backdrop of events taking place in India 2011 has been very eventful in that there has been a public awakening about corruption in public offices. Citizens have finally started to assert their rights. After a lot of debate the demands of Anna Hazare were summarized in his open letter to the Prime minister. What really caught my attention was the fact point raised about CBI. Is it not counter intuitive that CBI which investigates the malpractices of govt officials is under the govt.? Does it not make sense to make CBI an autonomous body? It is disheartening to see the lack of political will on the part of the govt. On top of that the witch hunt that the media and govt has launched to nitpick on Anna is sickening. I really hope and pray for a change.
Anna’s demands summarized

1. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas must be able to suo moto initiate their own investigations, without a complaint or reference from anyone. It should also not be required to alert the accused through preliminary enquiry or hearing before filing an FIR (this is as recommended by the Standing Committee).
2. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas must be able to carry out independent investigations, through any one of the following mechanisms.
a. The anti-corruption branch of CBI should be merged into Lokpal, anti-corruption bureaus and state vigilance departments in state governments should be similarly merged into Lokayuktas,

OR

b. Lokpal and Lokayuktas should have their own investigative wings which should have exclusive jurisdiction over cases under Prevention of Corruption Act, (the Government's own previous draft of the Bill included this provision)

OR

c. The administrative and financial control over CBI should be with Lokpal and the appointment of CBI Director should be independent of any political control. The anti-corruption bureaus and state vigilance departments in state governments should be merged into Lokayuktas.

3. The selection of the Lokpal should be through the consensus of the selection panel. Selection committee should consist of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, two judges to be nominated by collegium of Supreme Court judges, CAG, CVC and CEC. Search committee to suggest nominees should consist of former Chief Justices, Former CAG, former, CVC and former CEC. A detailed selection procedure should be prescribed in the law itself.

4. The Lokpal/Lokayukta's jurisdiction should include Class C and D officers directly.



Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/read-annas-open-letter-to-pm-and-mps-160615&cp