Differences at top cast shadow on Lokpal Bill-the Lokpal legislation is courting controversy involving the top 3 in d nation's hierarchy-27/10/04

Differences at top cast shadow on Lokpal Bill

Mahendra Ved, TNN, Oct 11, 2004, 03.32am IST

NEW DELHI: Being drafted to be introduced for the ninth time, the Lokpal legislation is courting controversy involving the top three in the nation's hierarchy — the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. Although well meaning, their observations, it is feared, could nip the bill in the bud.

Addressing the All-India Lokayukta's Conference in Dehradun on September 27, President APJ Abdul Kalam said: "I would even suggest that the office of the fountainhead of judiciary, which in our system is the President, be also brought under the purview of the Lokpal (Ombudsman)."