Senior panel ratifies draft Lokayukta Bill after changes

AIZAWL: A meeting of top officials headed by the Mizoram Law Minister Lalsawta approved the 'Lokayukta bill' as formulated by the Lokayukta drafting committee, state law department officials today said. The officials said that the draft Lokayukta bill was accepted after making few additions, deletions and amendments.

The bill would be open to the public for suggestions and complaints before being finalised to be laid before the state cabinet for approval, they said. According to the draft bill, the Lokayukta would be an independent body having independent investigating agency, prosecution and adjudication.

Chief Minister and members of the council of ministers would be within the ambit of the Lokayukta while the selection committee for the state Ombudsman would comprise the chief minister, Assembly speaker, leader of the opposition and the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.