Lokpal Bill from two perspectives: Hazare & JP Narayan

ANNA HAZARE

JAYAPRAKASH NARAYAN

Should the Prime Minister be under the ambit of the Lokapal?

Yes, the Prime Minister should be accountable to the Lokpal. An investigation can be carried out with permission from a seven member Lokpal bench.

The Prime Minister can be investigated by the Lokpal if a Paliamentary Committee comprising the Vice President, Speaker and the Leader of Opposition of the Lok Sabha sanction an enquiry. Investigations cannot be carried out on matters relating to sovereignty, security, foreign relations, public order and PM’s role as head of cabinet.

Can the Lower Bureacracy be investigated by the Lokpal?

Yes, will fall under the ambit of the Lokpal.

Yes, but with a focus on higher level corruption. The Central Vigilance Committee(CVC) who will be a part of the Lokpal as ex-officio members can cover lower officials. They will function under the CVC Act.

Will the Judiciary be held accountable to the Lokpal?

Yes. Members of Higher Judiciary can be investigated with a seven member Lokpal bench.

No. He urged for the creation of a national Judicial Panel of ex-judges so that the sanctity of the Apex court is maintained. The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill should govern standards.

Can the Lower Bureacracy be investigated by the Lokpal?

Yes, will fall under the ambit of the Lokpal.

Yes, but with a focus on higher level corruption. The Central Vigilance Committee(CVC) who will be a part of the Lokpal as ex-officio members can cover lower officials. They will function under the CVC Act.

Lokayuktas in the states should be set be in accordance with the law of the centre

Each state should have a Lokayukta should be with similar powers and functions as the Lokpal. All state government employees will be under its ambit.

The Lokayuktas should be granted full powers like the Lokpal, including the ability to hold Chief Ministers accountable. There should be a local Ombudsman for each district and city.

Each department should have a citizens charter for Grievance Redressal

Yes. Citizens can complain to the Lokpal for any violation of the charter and the Lokpal can penalise the officers responsible.

No, shouldn’t burden the Lokpal. A Grievance Redressal Authority should be constituted at the national level and at each state.

CBI should be merged with the Lokpal

The anti-coruption branch of the CBI should be merged with the Lokpal. A public servant need not be given an opportunity to be heard by the Lokpal.

The Lokpal should be equipped with its own machinary to investigate and can use the services of any official for the purpose of enquiry. The CVC will be integrated with the Lokpal. The anti-graft wing of the CBI will be accountable to the CVC.