New Delhi Dec 27: The historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 passed by Parliament (December 17, 2013 in Rajya Sabha and December 18, 2013 in Lok Sabha) paves the way for setting up of the institution of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in States by law enacted by the respective State Legislatures within one year of coming into force of the Act.
The Bill as passed by both Houses will go to the President for his assent and will become law upon being assented by the President. The new law provides for a mechanism for dealing with complaints of corruption against public functionaries, including those in high places.
The passing of this Bill by both Houses of Parliament is significant in itself, having regard to the fact that all attempts in the past to bring a Lokpal law have failed. Eight Bills on Lokpal had been introduced in the Lok Sabha in the past.
However, these Bills had lapsed consequent upon the dissolution of the respective Lok Sabha except in the case of the 1985 Bill, which was subsequently withdrawn after its introduction. The passing of the present Bill by both Houses on this occasion is indicative of the resolve of the Parliament and the Government to give to the nation an effective anti-corruption framework.
Another significant feature of the Bill is that it has taken its present shape after repeated consultations with all stake holders including civil society. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill is perhaps the only Bill in the history of independent India, which has been so widely discussed, both inside and outside Parliament and has, thus generated so much awareness in the public mind about the need to have an effective institution of Lokpal to tackle corruption.(SP News)
