LOKPAL 2LST

The draft bill also provides that complaints against
ministers and MPs should be routed through either the Lok
Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha Chairman and be heard only if
they are referred by the presiding officers to it.
The Lokpal can also enquire into act or conduct of any
person other than a public functionary if it is necessary for
the purpose of inquiry into any allegation of corruption.
Any complaint inquired by Lokpal cannot be referred to
Commission of Inquiry Act.
Under the bill, the Chairperson and members of Lokpal
shall be appointed on the recommendations of a committee
consisting of the Vice President as its Chairman, Prime
Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Home and Law Ministers and
Leaders of Opposition in both Houses of Parliament.
The Leader of the House, other than the House in which
the Prime Minister is a member of Indian Parliament, will also
be a member.
No sitting judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice
of a High Court shall be appointed without consultation with
the Chief Justice of India.
The Chairperson and members will ineligible to hold other
offices like an MP or MLA, office of trust or profit. They
shall also severe their connection with any political party or
conduct and management of business. They should also cease to
practice any profession.
The Chairman and members will office for a period of
three years or till they attain the age of 70 and shall be
appointed by the President of India.
They can be removed by the President on the grounds of
misbehaviour or incapacity proved by an inquiry made by a
committee consisting of the Chief Justice of India and two
other judges of the apex court next to the CJI in seniority.
The Chairman or the members have to be informed of the
charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of
being heard in respect of those charges.
The idea of Lokpal emanated from the office of Ombudsman
prevalent in Scandinavian countries.
The first legislative attempt at Lokpal in India fell
after the bill was passed in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1969 but
could not get through in Rajya Sabha.
Subsequently, Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977,
1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008. PTI