Terming the process of drafting the Lokpal Bill “slow,” joint drafting committee co-chairman Shanti Bhushan has expressed doubts about its completion by June 30, the deadline set by the government.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Monday.
In a letter to Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who heads the committee, Mr. Bhushan said: “The deadline for drafting the Jan Lokpal Bill is June 30. The progress has so far been slow. I, as co-chairperson, am worried whether we will be able to meet our deadline.”
Urging the government to communicate its position on the points of divergence, he said it should also convey whether it wanted to add any point to the basic principles the civil society members outlined. “Once these are presented, we can go ahead with discussions on the issues of divergence.”
At its last meeting, the committee agreed on the setting up of an independent and financially autonomous Lokpal, but put off discussions on the sticky issue of bringing the office of Prime Minister and the higher judiciary under the ambit of the proposed Bill. But the government did indicate that it would have to consult the States on the setting up of Lokayuktas.
Pointing out that the May 2 meeting had discussed seven points in the basic principles of the Jan Lokpal Bill (suggested by the civil society members), Mr. Bhushan said Union Home Minister and panel member P. Chidambaram had communicated the seven points that were “straightaway” acceptable to the government. “Discussions started on points where there was some divergence. I suggest that in the next meeting to be held on May 23, the government first present its views on all the balance points in the basic principles.” The government should present its “concerns” and come up with possible “solutions” to each point at the next meeting.
He also suggested that after May 30, the meetings be held at least thrice a week, if not daily, to expedite the drafting.
Reiterating the demand for video-recording of the meetings, Mr. Bhushan said: “At the meeting held on May 2, you [Mr. Mukherjee] had said that you would consult your colleagues and let us know your decision. I would again urge that the proceedings be video-recorded and released to the public after the law has finally been drafted.”
