Government packs Lokpal panel with own men

The Lokpal Bill would finally be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday as the government circulated a copy of the said bill to MPs on Wednesday.

However, a quick look at it suggests the government has packed the Lokpal’s selection committee with its own nominees.

According to the bill approved by the cabinet, there would be a nine-member committee to select the Lokpal and its members.

The panel would comprise the PM as chairperson, Lok Sabha speaker, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a Union minister to be nominated by the PM, one judge of the Supreme Court and one chief justice of a High Court, who would be nominated by the Chief Justice of India.

It would also have one eminent jurist and one person of eminence in public life, who would be nominated by the Centre. The selection committee ‘may’ constitute a search committee if it feels necessary.

As per the bill, the common man can also petition for removal of the Lokpal and its members.

But he would have to submit an application to the president, who would then refer it the Supreme Court for inquiry, provided the president is satisfied with that petition.

It bars the Lokpal and members to contest any election within five years from the date of cessation of holding office.