Lokpal Bill: Centre seeks views of States, parties

The Centre has asked State Governments and political parties to give their views on the drafting of the Lokpal Bill by June 6.

Briefing the media here on Tuesday, Union Ministers Mr Kapil Sibal and Mr P. Chidambaram said the Government was committed to introducing the Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament. “The draft will be ready by June 30,” Mr Sibal said.

The Government's statement came a day after the media reported on its serious differences with civil society members on the panel over issues such as bringing the Prime Minister under the Bill's purview. A letter written by Co-Chairman of the Joint Drafting Committee, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, has been sent to States seeking views on various issues, such as whether one single Act should provide for both the Lokpal in the Centre and Lokayukta in the State, as demanded by civil society members.

“Would your State Government be willing to accept a draft provision for the Lokayukta on the same lines as that of the Lokpal? Also, should the Prime Minister be brought within the purview of the Lokpal? If the answer is in the affirmative, should there be a qualified inclusion (in which case you may also suggest qualifications for such an inclusion). Should judges of the Supreme Court/High Court be brought within the purview of the Lokpal?” said the letter.