Inclusion of J&K in Lokpal Bill objected by National Conference

NEW DELHI: Amid objections by various parties to a provision in the Lokpal Bill for setting up of Lokayuktas in states, a member of National Conference raised questions over inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir despite Article 370, which grants special status to the state.

Mohammed Shafi said while an exception was made for the state in Whistleblowers Bill, no such exception was made in the Lokpal Bill.

"If Whistleblowers Bill is not applicable on Jammu and Kashmir, why is Lokpal Bill applicable in the state," he said.

Questioning the inclusion of the state, Shafi said even the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.

Article 370, applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, grants special status to the state by virtue of which certain central laws are not applicable there.

While Shafi was not allowed to raise the point by Chairman Hamid Ansari, BJP leader Arun Jaitley said, "Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution.... So, notwithstanding article 370, it (Lokpal Bill) will apply to Jammu and Kashmir also."

Jaitley was raising the point that the Lokpal Bill by including the provision of Lokayuktas "usurped" the powers of the state.

He pointed out that under Article 253, the Centre had the power to make such a law on corruption applicable to states also, in the wake of the UN Convention against Corruption.

He, however, questioned, "Does the UN Convention against Corruption tell us what will be the caste and religion of the Lokayuktas who are appointed in the states?"