Lokpal Bill should include PM too, says Santosh Hegde

BANGALORE: The Jan Lokpal Bill should be modelled on the lines of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act. That's the firm belief of Lokayukta Justice Santosh N Hegde whose inclusion in the 10-member committee to draft the bill was suggested by Anna Hazare, the Gandhian who recently led the popular movement to include civil society in the process.

Justice Hegde said the state Act has all the necessary elements to ensure success in the nation's fight against corruption. Justice Hegde told TOI that one or two amendments are needed for the Karnataka Lokayukta Act to make it 100% effective but those can be incorporated in the proposed Jan Lokpal Bill.

"Of utmost importance is that investigative findings of the Lokayukta are made actionable and investigation and prosecution should remain insulated from political influences,'' Justice Hegde pointed out.

The Lokayukta, known for his vigorous campaign against corruption in Karnataka, declined to reveal details of his suggestions to the draft committee when it first meets in the last week of April. "I don't want to draw unnecessary attention,'' he added.

On whether the Prime Minister should come under the purview of the Lokpal Bill, Justice Hegde said the PM, like the chief minister in the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, should come under the purview of the anti-corruption measure, allowing the ombudsman to investigate him. "I don't find any reason why the PM should be left out and this proposal has been pending for the past six years or so. It's no longer a contentious issue,'' he said.

Regarding Baba Ramdev's comments about the inclusion of the father-son duo of Shashi Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan in the draft committee, Hegde said they were "unwarranted". He said: "Why should someone have problems with relationships? They should be more worried about the draft?''

IN A NUTSHELL

Salient points of Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984

• Every public servant should submit to the Lokayukta in the prescribed form a statement of his assets and liabilities and those of members of his family

• The Lokayukta may investigate matters related to chief minister, ministers, or a member of an authority, board, or a committee

• After investigating the complaint, if the Lokayukta considers the allegation against a public servant is prima facie true, the public servant concerned, including CM, should vacate office if such declaration is accepted by the competent authority

• If after investigation, the Lokayukta is satisfied that the public servant has committed any criminal offence, he may initiate prosecution without reference to any other authority. Any prior sanction required under any law for such prosecution shall be deemed to have been granted.