AAP Janlokpal Bill brings Union Ministers in its ambit

 

Having stormed to power on the back of a massive anti-graft movement, the Aam Aadmi Party government on Monday tabled the Janlokpal Bill in the Assembly. It will empower the proposed ombudsman to act against any public servant in the national Capital including those of the Centre, a move that may spark a fresh face-off between the two.

The Bill has proposed harsh punishment for proven charges of corruption including rigorous imprisonment ranging between six months and 10 years and, in the rarest of rare cases, life imprisonment and fine. The higher the rank of the errant public servant, the greater will be the punishment.

Under the Bill, the Lokpal will have powers to probe even acts of corruption against Union Ministers and Central government officials, a contentious provision which may trigger another round of confrontation between the Kejriwal government and the Centre.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, tabling the Bill, termed it as the most “effective and independent” in India’s history and said it is similar to the one that came up during the 2011 Anna movement, rejecting allegations of it being “completely different”.

The Lokpal, with its own investigating wing, will make probe time-bound, with time limit of six months to complete the inquiry. In exceptional cases, it can be extended up to 12 months.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the Bill as the “strongest” anti-graft law in Independent India.

“Congratulations Manish for presenting the strongest anti-corruption law of Independent India — Delhi JanLokpal Bill 2015. A historic day,” he tweeted.

The Bill seeks to provide full protection to whistle-blowers from physical harm and administrative harassment. For this, the Janlokpal may issue orders and directions to the Government or any other authority to provide security and protection to whistle-blowers.

Mr Sisodia said the Janlokpal will have power to probe every act of graft occurring within the boundaries of the NCT of Delhi. --PTI

Data that may be helpful:
Important Points:-

• The Jan Lokpal Bill, also referred to as the Citizen's Ombudsman Bill, is an anti-corruption bill drafted and drawn up by civil society activists in India seeking the appointment of a Jan Lokpal, an independent body to investigate corruption cases.

Source :- The Hindu, 01-Dec-2015