Assailing the Congress-led UPA government for “trying to render the institution of Lokpal weak and ineffective through biased appointments”, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday demanded that the “flawed” process be immediately scrapped till after the Lok Sabha elections. It also sought amendments to the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act to make the law an effective deterrent against corruption.
Accusing the government of trying to finish the appointment process before it completes its tenure, the AAP said by not becoming a party to it, eminent jurists Justice (retired) K.T. Thomas and Fali Nariman had exposed the Congress’ designs.
The party also criticised the BJP and other parties for not ensuring checks and balances to prevent the government from appointing individuals convenient to it on the Lokpal, rendering it a weak and ineffective institution.
‘Political interference’“The AAP has maintained that the selection process provided in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act is flawed and has left a lot of room for political interference,” it said in a statement. The party claimed that in contrast, the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill drafted by civil society and the AAP government had drastically reduced the presence of politicians on the Lokpal selection panel to make the law strong and effective.
