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The Lokpal Bill that is being tabled in Parliament with the support of Anna Hazare, and much to the disappointment of Arvind Kejriwal differs from the Janlokpal Bill proposed by the latter in many ways.
The main demands of the activists who were previously united and now divided remain unmet by the proposed bill. These were demands to bring CBI, CVC, Prime Minister under the Janlokpal. The manner of appointment and dismissal of Lokpal also remains a contentious issue, even as Anna Hazare has offered support for the Government Bill.
Here are the main points of difference as pointed out by Aam Aadmi Party
Appointment:
Lokpal Bill: Lokpal to be selected by 5 members: PM, Leader of Opposition, CJI, Speaker, and a jurist nominated by the above
Janlokpal: Lokpal will be appointed by a 7 member committee, consisting of 2 Supreme Court judges, 2 High Court judges, 1 nominee of CAG + CVC + CEC, PM and Leader of Opposition
Removal of a Lokpal member:
Lokpal Bill: Government or 100 MPs can make a complaint to Supreme Court
Janlokpal: Any citizen can complain to the Supreme Court seeking removal of any member of Lokpal
Investigating machinery:
Lokpal Bill: The Lokpal would have to get the complaints investigated by any investigating agency, including the CBI, all of which would continue to remain under the administrative control of the government.
Janlokpal: The CBI will be brought under the administrative control of the Lokpal
Whistleblower protection:
Lokpal Bill: No mention in bill
Janlokpal: Has provision for whistleblower protection
Citizen’s charter:
Lokpal Bill: No mention
Janlokpal: Created mechanism for prosecution of officials who fail to do their job
Lokayuktas in States
Lokpal Bill: Left to state’s discretion
Janlokpal: Lokayukta along the same lines as the Lokpal
Frivolous complaints:
Lokpal Bill: Shall be punished with a year’s jail
Janlokpal: No jail but a penalty of Rs 1 lakh
Ambit:
Lokpal Bill: Judiciary excluded, MPs excluded in respect of their votes and speeches in Parliament
Janlokpal: Included all public servants, including judges and MPs
