'Lokpal bench will have power to file FIR against HC judges'
DABOLIM: The Jan Lokpal Bill will seek more transparency in the judicial system without taking over it. The bill will hand over the power of granting permission to file an FIR against high court judges to a seven-member Lokpal bench, anti corruption crusaders Arvind Kejriwal and Swami Agnivesh said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters in Vasco on the eve of their massive India Against Corruption movement's public meeting in Panaji, Kejriwal said, "In several cases, it has been seen that the Chief Justice has denied permission to file FIRs against high court judges despite strong evidence against them. The Lokpal bill does not attempt to take over the judiciary. But the bill will provide for a seven-member bench which will carry out open hearings and grant permissions to file FIRs against high court judges."
Kejriwal, along with Swami Agnivesh, arrived in Goa on Thursday to address meetings across the state on Friday to galvanize support in favour of the Lokpal Bill. Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare is expected to arrive in the state on Friday, after which a massive public meeting will be held at the Azad Maidan in Panaji at 5pm.
"There are several important constituents in the bill. Most of them are aimed towards decentralization of power on the lines of gram sabhas, bringing about electoral reforms and then judicial reforms. All of this will be done in a phased manner," explained Swami Agnivesh.
Swami Agnivesh said that for the first time since India's independence movement the masses in India were seen coming together in such a big way, between April 5 and April 12, in support of a movement against corruption, made possible due to Anna Hazare's fast.
"The Jan Lokpal Bill is an effective deterrent against corruption. At present there is no punishment for those indulging in corruption, but the bill proposes punishment such as confiscation of property, suspension from job and imprisonment," said Kejriwal. Kejriwal said politicians are trying every trick under their sleeve to sabotage the bill and also pointed out how misinformation was being created against the bill.
"The media must play a constructive role. We need correct information about the bill to be given out. We are traveling across the country to explain what the bill is all about. We need suggestions from the people. Let it be a bill drafted by the people. There is a need to create strong public opinion in favour of the bill," said Kejriwal, adding that the provisions of the bill are so strong that politicians will not be rooting for it.
According to Kejriwal, the prime minister, leader of opposition, Supreme Court judges, two chief justices of high court and the chief election commissioner will be some of the members of an eight-member committee which will be assisted by a 10-member search committee in deciding about appointing the various state Lokayuktas.
"We have issued a deadline to the states, asking them to appoint Lokayuktas by June 30. The drafting will be completed and the Lokpal bill will be presented in the monsoon session of the Parliament. We want the bill to be passed by August 15," said Kejriwal.
Earlier, advocate and activist Satish Sonak briefed Kejriwal and Swami Agnivesh on the scenario in Goa. Sonak said civil society members in Goa have given the state government a December 19 deadline to appoint a Lokayukta in Goa.
Speaking to reporters in Vasco on the eve of their massive India Against Corruption movement's public meeting in Panaji, Kejriwal said, "In several cases, it has been seen that the Chief Justice has denied permission to file FIRs against high court judges despite strong evidence against them. The Lokpal bill does not attempt to take over the judiciary. But the bill will provide for a seven-member bench which will carry out open hearings and grant permissions to file FIRs against high court judges."
Kejriwal, along with Swami Agnivesh, arrived in Goa on Thursday to address meetings across the state on Friday to galvanize support in favour of the Lokpal Bill. Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare is expected to arrive in the state on Friday, after which a massive public meeting will be held at the Azad Maidan in Panaji at 5pm.
"There are several important constituents in the bill. Most of them are aimed towards decentralization of power on the lines of gram sabhas, bringing about electoral reforms and then judicial reforms. All of this will be done in a phased manner," explained Swami Agnivesh.
Swami Agnivesh said that for the first time since India's independence movement the masses in India were seen coming together in such a big way, between April 5 and April 12, in support of a movement against corruption, made possible due to Anna Hazare's fast.
"The Jan Lokpal Bill is an effective deterrent against corruption. At present there is no punishment for those indulging in corruption, but the bill proposes punishment such as confiscation of property, suspension from job and imprisonment," said Kejriwal. Kejriwal said politicians are trying every trick under their sleeve to sabotage the bill and also pointed out how misinformation was being created against the bill.
"The media must play a constructive role. We need correct information about the bill to be given out. We are traveling across the country to explain what the bill is all about. We need suggestions from the people. Let it be a bill drafted by the people. There is a need to create strong public opinion in favour of the bill," said Kejriwal, adding that the provisions of the bill are so strong that politicians will not be rooting for it.
According to Kejriwal, the prime minister, leader of opposition, Supreme Court judges, two chief justices of high court and the chief election commissioner will be some of the members of an eight-member committee which will be assisted by a 10-member search committee in deciding about appointing the various state Lokayuktas.
"We have issued a deadline to the states, asking them to appoint Lokayuktas by June 30. The drafting will be completed and the Lokpal bill will be presented in the monsoon session of the Parliament. We want the bill to be passed by August 15," said Kejriwal.
Earlier, advocate and activist Satish Sonak briefed Kejriwal and Swami Agnivesh on the scenario in Goa. Sonak said civil society members in Goa have given the state government a December 19 deadline to appoint a Lokayukta in Goa.
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