Lokpal for Delhi

For an idea conceived in the 1960s, it was the Anna Hazare movement that forcefully projected an ‘independent Lokpal’ as an essential reform to fix high-level corruption. So, when the prime backers of such an institution take on each other over what shape the ombudsman should assume, the debate is engaging, if not pleasant. In 2014, Arvind Kejriwal had sacrificed his government 48 days after assuming power when he was unable to introduce the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill in the Assembly. This time, considering the Aam Aadmi Party's brute majority, tabling a tweaked version has been uneventful. Even if it is passed, despite the contentious issue of whether the Lieutenant Governor’s prior approval is needed or no, that would be the easy part. The issue of Central clearance is bound to become a flashpoint. Is creating such a situation the Delhi government's real intention? 

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The 2014 Bill proposed an eight-member selection panel, of which only two were politicians, adhering to the ideal of the government not having any control on the selection or removal of the Lokpal. The Kejriwal regime proposed four members, but after the ‘Jokepal’ jibe heeded to Hazare’s suggestion of taking the number to seven. Removal of the Lokpal through impeachment by the legislature is seen as creating a subservient Lokpal, particularly in a scenario such as the present when AAP has 67 MLAs in a House of 70. The provision that the Jan Lokpal may utilise the services of any officer or investigation agency of the Central government is set to become another sticking point. There is also apprehension that the Lokpal would have no probe machinery at his disposal, similar to how the investigating agencies are dependent on the government. 

A hurried legislation would discount whatever AAP is trying to achieve. An Anna movement leader, Justice Santosh Hegde, had this to say about his exemplary stint as the Karnataka Lokayukta: “Those who appointed me must have regretted the decision.” An independent Lokpal with sufficient power so that no complaint of citizens goes unheard is the only ideal AAP should aspire for.