No consensus in Lokpal Parliamentary panel on inclusion of PM

NEW DELHI: Consensus eluded the Parliamentary panel on Lokpal on the issue of including the Prime Minister within the ambit of the ombudsman with a majority opposing the suggestion, saying it could lead to complications while some others favoured it with riders.

While some members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances and Law and Justice felt the Prime Minister should be brought under the Lokpal, others felt this should be avoided.

A middle path was suggested by some other members who said the Prime Minister can be brought within the ambit of the ombudsman but with some riders like excluding his duties relating to external affairs and internal security, among others.

Some members also argued that since the PM is included under the Prevention of Corruption Act, there is no need to put him in the ambit of the Lokpal as well. However, the opposition parties have used the same argument to say that if the high office is covered under PCA, why not the Lokpal.

Sources said though a majority of the members in the Committee felt the PM should not be included within Lokpal, no decision could be taken and the matter will be further discussed in subsequent meetings.

The Committee also discussed the status of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

"Opposition members said it should remain a permanent, independent investigation agency of the Government of India and its directorate of prosecution should be made independent of any government interference," sources said.