Lokpal bill: The government’s proposals

The proposed legislation introduced in the Lok Sabha leaves the prime minister out of the purview of the proposed legislation during his or her term in office. But after demitting office, the PM may be investigated for any wrongdoing during their term.

The government bill also excludes the higher judiciary; and any action of an MP inside Parliament or on a parliamentary committee.

The proposed corruption watchdog will have both investigating and prosecuting powers.  It will have a chairperson and 10 members, half of them from the judiciary.

The institution will be appointed by the president on the recommendation of the selection committee consisting of the prime minister, the speaker in the Lok Sabha, the leader of the house, the minister of home affairs, the leader of the opposition in both Houses, a judge of the Supreme Court, the chief justice of a high court, the president of the National Academy of Science, and the cabinet secretary, who will act as the secretary of committee.

According to the draft bill, the ombudsman will have powers to investigate all corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

It covers MPs, ministers, 'Group A' civil service officers, any 'Group A' officer in a company or body owned by the government, any officer of a society or trust that is financed by the government or gets funds under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976, or obtains funds from the public.