Delhi govt clears Jan Lokpal bill

He said government will not send the bill to the Home Ministry for approval. Sources said the Law Department had mentioned in its noting that there as per existing norms, Delhi government has to get clearance from the Home Ministry before tabling any bill.

“This is one of the most widely debated bills in India's parliamentary history over the last few decades and Delhi government is of the view that it has come up with an effective bill to restore the public confidence in its elected representatives and other public servants,” he told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

He said bill approved by the Delhi cabinet provides for “certainty and swiftness” of punishment to those found involved in graft.

The Minister said selection panel for appointment of Lokpal chairperson and members will be “transparent” and free of political control. The seven member panel will have the Chief Minister as the government nominee.

“The only law which comes closest to this bill is the bill passed by the Uttarakhand assembly in 2011, but it too had some limitations in filing complaints against the CM and ministers. This bill for the first time provides a legal right of protection for the whistleblowers and witnesses in corruption cases,” Sisodia said.