Delhi Assembly Clears AAP’s Anti-Graft Jan Lokpal Bill

Delhi Assembly passed the Janlokpal Bill, which provides for an ombudsman with powers to act against any Govt.

The winter session of Delhi Assembly started on November 18. (Photo: PTI)

Delhi Assembly, on Friday, passed the Janlokpal Bill, incorporating suggestions of Anna Hazare, which provides for an ombudsman with powers to act against any government functionary, including those of the Centre. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had warned the NDA against any move to put a spanner on making it a law.

Kejriwal called it a “historic moment” for the Janlokpal movement and offered his tribute to veteran activist Hazare, recounting his days with the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement in 2011.

The bill received 64 votes in its favour in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

Reacting to allegations that the bill was a diluted version of the one that was tabled in 2014, Kejriwal said that he wondered whether BJP or Congress-ruled states would be able to pass any such legislation.

As per the changes, there will be a provision for one more high court judge, one eminent person and one former chairperson in the selection panel of Janlokpal.

While the impeachment process for removal will begin only after a higher court monitors the probe of any allegation against the Lokpal, a strong Janlokpal is important to ensure that such an anti-graft drive continues even if we are not in power, Kejriwal said.

He also alleged that the Centre had made the Anti-Corruption Branch dysfunctional.

The biggest step we took in our first term was when we filed an FIR against Mukesh Ambani. But since June 8, when the ACB was taken over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has not been a single notice against Ambani. We had even started summoning Reliance officials.

Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister, Delhi

Kejriwal also defended the provision which brings even Union government ministers and officials under the ambit of the bill. As per the provisions of the bill, Lokpal will have powers to even probe acts of corruption against Union Ministers and central government officials working in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, which may trigger another round of confrontation between the Kejriwal government and the Centre.

If the Prime Minister commits any crime, an SHO can take action, but if he indulges in corruption there is no one to take action in such cases. This is why need a Janlokpal