Kejriwal Cabinet gives nod to tabling of Jan Lokpal Bill

The Arvind Kejriwal Cabinet on Wednesday approved the ruling AAP’s landmark anti-graft Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill for tabling in the ongoing Assembly session even as the Opposition BJP created noisy scenes in the House over delay in the process.

Chairing a special Cabinet meeting on Assembly premises in the evening, Kejriwal gave nod to the final draft of the Bill, paving way for the anti-corruption legislation’s introduction during Winter Session.

“If needed, the session ending November 27 may be extended for passing the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill,” said a Kejriwal aide after the Cabinet meeting.

Sources in Raj Niwas said they could not comment on the issue till they get to see the draft of the Bill.

“Without seeing it, how can we say whether or not its tabling needs approval from the Lieutenant Governor, Union Home Ministry or the President,” asked an official.

Former chief secretary Omesh Saigal said: “The Delhi government can legislate on corruption among only those government employees whose transfer and posting it controls.” He said tabling of any legislation which deals with officials from Central government cadre would need Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung’s nod. The Bill’s provisions include a three-month deadline to complete graft complaints against politicians and officials with the objective of sending the guilty to jail within one year. The Bill proposes that the loss caused to the exchequer be recovered from the person held guilty by the Jan Lokpal, an institution which would be autonomous like the Election Commission or the Supreme Court.

The loss caused to an individual by a person held guilty by the Jan Lokpal will be recovered from the accused and paid to the complainant as compensation, proposes the Bill.

Members of the Jan Lokpal will be selected by the judiciary and people, without any political interference and complaints against the Jan Lokpal will be probed within two months, according to the Bill.

The Cabinet decision came on a day when the Delhi Congress held a protest outside the Assembly demanding early introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill — a key poll promise of the AAP. 

“The party was formed on Jan Lokpal issue... what is the reason for the inordinate delay,” asked Sharmistha Mukherjee, chief spokesperson, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also threatened to launch a hunger strike over the issue.

Earlier, the proceedings of the session began amid acrimony with Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta of the BJP demanding a statement on the alleged delay. “We are getting information on the Bill from newspapers only. There is no details in the agenda for the House. No information is available with the business advisory committee of the House,” he said.