Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 150
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 151
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 148]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 181]
LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Key changes: Armed forces out, states’ prior consent needed

Key changes: Armed forces out, states’ prior consent needed

Share this article Share this article
published Published on Dec 29, 2011   modified Modified on Dec 29, 2011

-Express News Service

 

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 was passed in the Lok Sabha with several amendments but the opposition BJP remained far from satisfied. The legislation now faces an uncertain fate in the Rajya Sabha where the UPA is in minority.

Under attack from the opposition and allies like the DMK and Trinamool Congress over the inclusion of Lokayuktas in the bill — what they called an assault on India’s federal structure — the government moved an amendment to the effect that provisions of the act “shall be applicable to a state which has given prior consent to the application of this act”.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, however, continued to maintain that the bill should be brought under Article 252 — and not 253 — of the constitution, which makes it mandatory for state legislatures.

The government has argued that bringing the provision under Article 253 fulfils India’s international obligations arising out of the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. While today’s amendment sought to allay the apprehension of opposition parties, Swaraj’s continued insistence on bringing it under Article 252 does not augur well for the legislation in the Rajya Sabha.

The government also conceded ground to the BJP over a portion of the bill that provided that after the conclusion of investigation, if the Lokpal’s findings disclosed the commission of an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Lokpal would send a report to the speaker of the Lok Sabha and chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, and they would send to the Lokpal an action taken report or the reasons for not taking action.

Swaraj had castigated the government for compromising the sovereignty of parliament. The government today brought an amendment to delete these lines from the bill.

Prompted by RJD leader Lalu Prasad, the government left the armed forces and Coast Guard out of the Lokpal’s purview.

Through another key amendment to the bill, the government sought to accommodate the BJP’s reservation about the provision regarding three-fourths of the members of the Lokpal approving of initiation of an inquiry against the prime minister. The government amended it to two-thirds of members.

Another amendment brought by the government dealt with the “period of six months” given to an investigative agency by the Lokpal. It was changed to “period not exceeding six months at a time”.

Express News Service, 28 December, 2011, http://www.indianexpress.com/news/key-changes-armed-forces-out-states-prior-consent-needed/892875/


Related Articles

 

Write Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Video Archives

Archives

share on Facebook
Twitter
RSS
Feedback
Read Later

Contact Form

Please enter security code
      Close