Current Affairs-Parliament Passes the Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktha Bill

Parliament Passes the Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktha Bill

Parliament has passed the Lokpal Bill with the Lok Sabha approving it by a voice vote. The Rajya Sabha had passed it yesterday (17.12.13).The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die today after adopting the historic Lokpal Bill.

Earlier, as soon as the Lok Sabha reassembled at noon after its first adjournment, the house took up the bill amid slogan shouting by members from Andhra Pradesh against the bifurcation of the State. Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal said that enough discussion had taken place in this house in 2011 and also in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. He urged the members to pass the bill as amended and passed by the Rajya Sabha.

Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj said that the house has not functioned even for a single day during the current session which began on the 5th of this month. She said if house could pass this bill today, it would be a memorable session. Mrs Swaraj expressed concern that the proceedings in the house have been stalled all along by the members of the ruling party and its allies.

Participating in the discussion, Rahul Gandhi of the Congress said it is a historic moment today when the house could pass the bill which was not passed during the last 45 years. He said the Lokpal bill alone is not enough to fight corruption and the country needs a comprehensive anti-corruption code. Mr Gandhi said six bills to combat corruption are pending in the two houses of Parliament. They have to be passed in the current session, no matter the session has to be extended beyond Friday.

Opposing the bill, Mulayam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi party said it is very dangerous bill and it will destroy the country. He said no officer would like to take any decision fearing action by Lokpal. Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal United criticized the provision of the bill which brings Prime Minister under its ambit.