Union Cabinet approves draft Lokpal Bill; CBI out of its control

Under the proposals, the Prime Minister will be under the purview of the Lokpal with certain safeguards that will keep out aspects like international relations, public order, atomic energy, space, internal and external security from the inquiry.

Probe on any complaint against the Prime Minister will be decided by the full bench, of which at least three-fourth should agree.

The probe will in-camera and if a complaint is dismissed, the records on it should not be made public.

Another important provision in the bill is the change in the mode of appointment of CBI Director.

The Lokpal Bill provides for an appointment committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge to decide the new Director, CBI.

Appointment of SPs and above in CBI will be done by a committee consiting of CVC, Vigilance Commissioners, Home Secretary and Secretary, DoPT.

According to the proposals in the Bill, the Lokpal cannot initiate any inquiry suo motu and a complaint will be required.

The Inquiry Wing will be headed by a Director for preliminary inquiry. The Lokpal can also ask the CBI to conduct the preliminary inquiry, which should be completed within 180 days.

Ideally, the preliminary inquiry should be completed within 90 days and extension if necessary should be sought in writing.