Editorial:-Punjab passes the draft Lokayukta bill.

What proposed bill says?

• The proposed bill would allow prosecution of MLAs as well as the Chief Minister.
• The above prosecution or action could be taken if 2/3 rd of the Legislative Assembly of Punjab approves it.
• The proposed amendment seeks to replace the Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996.
• Further, the will of the Assembly would be binding on the Lokayukta.
• The bill also provides for prosecution in case of a false complaint.
• This amendment will the powers of a civil court under the code of civil procedure to the Lokayukta, so that he or she could probe the offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
• The bill disallows a parallel enquiry or probe into a complaint against any officer or public functionary while an inquiry by the Lokayukta is on.

Important:-

• Also, if the matter is being probed by the state government then the Lokayukta will not intervene.
• The State Vigilance Bureau too would come under the purview of the Lokayukta.
• The autonomous body of Lokayukta Would make the system of entrenched corruption feeble.
• All complaints would be scrutinized by a screening committee before issuance of notice.
• The screening committee would also take the government’s opinion on the matter.
• The Lokayukta would also possess the authority to take suo moto notice of corruption cases by public men.

Composition of the body:

• It will be a 4 member anti-corruption watchdog.
• Chairman – a serving or retired judge of the High court or the Supreme Court.
• At least one member shall be from among persons belonging to the SCs / BCs, minorities or women, all of whom shall be qualified personally.

Some important questions (Prelims):-

Who will be the selection committee members?

1.CM

2.Speaker

3.Leader of Opposition.

4.Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court and other eminent personalities.

Who will appoint the Chairperson and members?

•  They will be appointed by the Governor on the basis of the majority of the recommendation f a selection committee.

Powers of Lokayukta?

•  Lokayukta will have all powers of a civil court and it will also provide prosecution in case of a false complaint.

Who will come under this?

•  Lokayukta in Punjab will be applicable to CM, Ministers, non-officials/officials of all public offices.

(Source:-The Tribune)

Question:- What impact it can create in the transparency of governance?

Answer in Comment Section.

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