20 points you must know about New Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill

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Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, on Monday congratulated his deputy, Manish Sisodia, for presenting the much-anticipated anti-graft bill known as Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill 2015.

Kejriwal called this the ‘strongest anti-corruption law of Independent India.’

He tweeted, ” Congratulations Manish for presenting the strongest anti-corruption law of independent India – Delhi JanLokpal Bill 2015. A historic day.”

The Delhi cabinet of Aam Aadmi Party government had on 18 November, passed the Jan Lokpal Bill paving way for its tabling in the ongoing assembly session.

Here are 20 salient points of the Bill that you ought to know;

  • The Bill proposes to cover any act of corruption as defined in POC Act done within territory of Delhi.
  • Janlokpal will be a three member body consisting of one chairperson and two members, to be collectively called Janlokpal.
  • Janlokpal will be selected by a selection committee consisting of Chief Justice of High Court (Chairperson), Chief Minister of Delhi, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly and Speaker of assembly as members.
  • Chairperson or member can be removed by LG on the recommendation of Legislative Assembly by the majority of total membership and two-third members present and voting.
  • Janlokpal may investigate the allegation of corruption occurring in the NCT of Delhi on the complaints from the government or from the member of public or suo motu.
  • Janlokpal may appoint Investigation Officers to be called Janlokpal Investigating Officer who will have all the powers of Police Officer under CrPC 1973.
  • Janlokpal may utilise services of officers or organisation or investigating agency of central government or government of any state or Union Territory for inquiry / investigation of any case.
  • Janlokpal will have powers of a civil court for discharge of its functions.
  • The bill proposes to make investigation time-bound with maximum time limit of six months and up to twelve months in exceptional cases.
  • Janlokpal may grant prosecution sanctions against the public servants for offences committed under this act.
  • Janlokpal will have a prosecution wing
  • Janlokpal may attach, confiscate assets gained by a public servant through the acts of corruption
  • Janlokpal may recommend transfer or suspension of a public servant connected with the allegation of corruption
  • Special Courts may be setup under the provision of proposed Bill for exclusive and expeditious trail of offences of corruption
  • The Bill proposes harsh punishment for proven charges of corruption including rigorous imprisonment ranging between six months to ten years and in rarest of rare cases up to life imprisonment and fine
  • The Bill proposes higher punishment for a public servant holding higher rank thereby becoming an exemplary ensuring accountability and responsibility
  • The Bill proposes to take action against the private entities involved in acts of corruption also
  • The Bill proposes to bring properties statements of public servants and their dependents in the public domain through website
  • The Bill proposes to provide full protection to whistle blowers from physical harm and administrative harassment. For this the Janlokpal may issue orders and directions to the government or any other authority to provide security and protection to whistle blowers. There is also provision maintaining strict confidentiality regarding the identity of whistle blowers.
  • In case of wilful or malicious false complaints there is provisions of imprisonment or fine or both, Janlokpal will file a case in court for false complaint and court has to uphold it as false case for punishment. False complaints will also be decided by the judiciary.
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