Clear divergence on key issues in Lokpal draft bills

New Delhi: The two draft bills on Lokpal are a study in contrast with clear divergence on key issues like inclusion of the Prime Minister and MPs' conduct inside Parliament.

The government draft excludes the Prime Minister, higher judiciary and conduct of MPs inside Parliament from the ambit of the proposed ombudsman, in denial of civil society's demands.

Talking about the jurisdiction of Lokpal, the government draft says in clause 17(1), "subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Lokpal shall inquire into any matter involve in, or arising from, or connected with, any allegation of corruption by a public servant made in a complaint in respect of the following:

"Any person who is or has been a minister of the Union other than the Prime Minister, (b) any person who is or has been a Member of either House of Parliament..."

However, it added, that the Lokpal "shall not inquire into any matter involved in, or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation of corruption against any member of either House of Parliament in respect of anything said or a vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof..."

These provisions go against the civil society draft which said, "no investigation or prosecution shall be initiated without obtaining permission from a seven member bench of the Lokpal against any of the following persons: 1) Prime Minister and any other member of the Council of Ministers 2) any judge of the Supreme Court or any High Court and 3) Any MP."