Jan Lok Pal Bill
The Jan Lokpal Bill (Hindi: जन लोकपाल विधेयक) (Citizens ' ombudsman Bill) is an Indian draft anti-corruption bill that would create the Jan Lokpal, an independent body similar to the Election Commission with the power to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats without prior government permission.[1]
Drafted by Shanti Bhushan, retired Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi, Justice N. Santosh Hegde, advocate Prashant Bhushan, former chief election commissioner J. M. Lyngdoh in consultation with the leaders of the India Against Corruption movement and civil society, the bill proposes the institution of the office of Lokpal (Ombudsman) at the center and local Lokayukta at the state level. The bill is designed to create an effective anti-corruption and grievance redressal system that effectively deters corruption while providing effective protection to whistleblowers.[2][3]
For 42 years, the government-drafted bill has failed to pass through the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India.[4] The first Lokpal Bill was passed in the 4th Lok Sabha[clarification needed What is this?] in 1969 but stalled in the Rajya Sabha. Subsequent Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008 but all failed to pass.[5] Following the four day Anna Hazare fasting struggle,[clarification needed] Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stated that the Lokpal Bill would be introduced in the 2011 monsoon session of parliament.[6] Contents[hide] * 1 Background * 2 Key features of proposed bill * 3 Difference between Draft Lokpal Bill 2010 and Jan Lokpal Bill * 4 Protests * 5 Prominent supporters * 6 Government response * 7 Drafting Committee * 8 Criticisms of the Jan Lokpal Bill * 9 See also * 10 References * 11 External links |
[edit] Background
Renewed calls for a Jan Lokpal Bill arose over resentment of the major differences between the draft 2010 Lokpal Bill prepared by the government and the Jan Lokpal
Drafted by Shanti Bhushan, retired Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi, Justice N. Santosh Hegde, advocate Prashant Bhushan, former chief election commissioner J. M. Lyngdoh in consultation with the leaders of the India Against Corruption movement and civil society, the bill proposes the institution of the office of Lokpal (Ombudsman) at the center and local Lokayukta at the state level. The bill is designed to create an effective anti-corruption and grievance redressal system that effectively deters corruption while providing effective protection to whistleblowers.[2][3]
For 42 years, the government-drafted bill has failed to pass through the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India.[4] The first Lokpal Bill was passed in the 4th Lok Sabha[clarification needed What is this?] in 1969 but stalled in the Rajya Sabha. Subsequent Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008 but all failed to pass.[5] Following the four day Anna Hazare fasting struggle,[clarification needed] Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stated that the Lokpal Bill would be introduced in the 2011 monsoon session of parliament.[6] Contents[hide] * 1 Background * 2 Key features of proposed bill * 3 Difference between Draft Lokpal Bill 2010 and Jan Lokpal Bill * 4 Protests * 5 Prominent supporters * 6 Government response * 7 Drafting Committee * 8 Criticisms of the Jan Lokpal Bill * 9 See also * 10 References * 11 External links |
[edit] Background
Renewed calls for a Jan Lokpal Bill arose over resentment of the major differences between the draft 2010 Lokpal Bill prepared by the government and the Jan Lokpal
References: Draft Lokpal Bill (2010) | Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen 's Ombudsman Bill) | Lokpal will have no power to initiate suo moto action or receive complaints of corruption from the general public Main article: 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement On March 13, 2011, a group of Delhi residents dressed in white shirts and t-shirts drove around the city for four hours in support of an anti-corruption campaign and the passing of a Jan Lokpal Bill.[12]