India: Lokpal Bill in RS; Oppn. Finds Faults

NEW DELHI (NNN-PTI): Moving a step further towards enactment of a historic law for setting up Lokpal, government has tabled a bill to this effect in the Rajya Sabha, but it was rejected by the Opposition as “constitutionally vulnerable”.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, already passed by Lok Sabha, was moved for consideration by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy amid questions over its passage in view of stiff opposition by various parties, including UPA ally Trinamool Congress. The UPA does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House.

Pushing for passage of the crucial bill, Narayanasamy said it “is in line with the sense of the House” expressed on August 27.

Initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley slammed the bill saying it would lead to “constitutional havoc” as the Centre would be encouraged to “usurp” rights of states through the provision of setting up of Lokayuktas.

The BJP leader and noted lawyer also opposed minority quota in the Lokpal bench, inclusion of NGOs and keeping CBI out of the purview of the ombudsman.

“If you are creating history, let us not create bad history. We will be leaving a lot of task for the next generation to do,” he said.

He made it clear the the BJP would not support the Bill in the present form. “Please accept amendments that the colleagues have moved,” he said.

Abhishek M Singhvi (Cong) rejected Jaitley’s contentions; saying said the BJP was creating fear psychosis over the issue of NGOs under the purview of the ombudsman. -NNN-PTI