Parliament
Passes the Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktha Bill
Parliament has passed the Lokpal Bill with the Lok Sabha
approving it by a voice vote. The Rajya Sabha had passed it yesterday (17.12.13).The
Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die today after adopting the historic Lokpal Bill.
Earlier, as soon as the Lok Sabha reassembled at noon after its first
adjournment, the house took up the bill amid slogan shouting by members from
Andhra Pradesh against the bifurcation of the State. Law and Justice Minister
Kapil Sibal said that enough discussion had taken place in this house in 2011
and also in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. He urged the members to pass the bill as
amended and passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj said that the house has not functioned even
for a single day during the current session which began on the 5th of this
month. She said if house could pass this bill today, it would be a memorable
session. Mrs Swaraj expressed concern that the proceedings in the house have
been stalled all along by the members of the ruling party and its allies.
Participating in the discussion, Rahul Gandhi of the Congress said it is a
historic moment today when the house could pass the bill which was not passed
during the last 45 years. He said the Lokpal bill alone is not enough to fight
corruption and the country needs a comprehensive anti-corruption code. Mr
Gandhi said six bills to combat corruption are pending in the two houses of
Parliament. They have to be passed in the current session, no matter the
session has to be extended beyond Friday.
Opposing the bill, Mulayam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi party said it is very
dangerous bill and it will destroy the country. He said no officer would like
to take any decision fearing action by Lokpal. Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal
United criticized the provision of the bill which brings Prime Minister under
its ambit.