10 Important features of New Lokpal Bill
Ok now Lokpal Bill has cleared Rajya Sabha and may get approval from Lok Sabha too. Leaders are appreciating the Bill and Anna Hazare supporters are celebrating while Arvind Kejriwal claim it as weak Lokpal Bill. But what Lokpal Bill actually is? Do anyone of you have any idea about Lokpal Bill. Here are 10 important features of Lokpal Bill.
Lokayukta: The new bill directs the respective state government to set up Lokayukta with in a period of 1 year. And it has all the powers to regulate the norms and nature of Lokayukta.
Constituion of Lokpal: The Lokpal consists of a Chairman excluding eight members. Among these eight members, 50 percent members shall be Judicial members and the remaining shall be from SC, ST, OBC and woman.
Selection Panel of Lokpal: The selection of Lokpal members will be decided by four members committee which will be chaired by Prime Minister of India. The other members are Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Justice of India. President of India even can select a member in Lokpal under “Eminetn Jurist” category. But the first four members recommendations will be taken by the President.
Religious societies and trusts: The new bill includes religious bodies, societies and trust who collect money from public and receive funding from foreign countries. But the bodies are excluded from performing religious or charitable events.
Prosecution: The new Lokpal can permit its own prosecution wing or the concerned investigating agency to initiate prosecution in special courts before filing a chargesheet in a case considering the government investigation report.
CBI: Making CBI an Independent, in the new bill a broad of directors of prosecution will be formed and based on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commissioner, a director can be appointed. Also Lokpal should approve transfer of CBI officers in cases referred by Lokpal.
Hearing: The new bill says a government servant will get a hearing before a decision is taken by the Lokpal.
Prime Minister: If complaints against Prime Minister of India are made then he will be under the purview of Lokpal.
Investigation: Inquiry has to be completed within 60 days and investigation within six months. Lokpal shall order an investigation only after hearing the public servant. Also Inquiry against the Prime Minister has to be held in-camera and approved by two-thirds members of the Lokpal.
Penalty: False complaints - imprisonment up to one year and a fine of up to Rs.1 lakh. Public servants - imprisonment up to seven years. Criminal misconduct and encouraging corruption - jail term up to 10 years.
(AW: Vamshi Tunga)
