India’s anti-corruption bill introduced in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The Lokpal Bill which aims to set up an anti-corruption watchdog in India was introduced in the Lok Sabha amidst strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). The bill was introduced in parliament amidst protests and copies of the government’s draft on the Lokpal Bill were burnt.

The bill seeks to keep the office of the Prime Minister outside the purview of the ombudsman during his term in office and excludes higher judiciary and conduct of MPs inside Parliament. The Lokpal, consisting of a President and ten members, half of them judicial, will have its own prosecution and investigation wing with officers and staff necessary to carry out its functions.

The Lokpal will conduct inquires against those officials including MPs who have been accused of corruption. Every public servant will be made to declare his or her assets and liabilities. In case of default or misleading information, it will be presumed that the said public servant had acquired the assets through corrupt means. The Lokpal could also recommend the transfer or suspension of public servants connected with allegations of corruption.