Members differ on Lokpal power to delegate authority

While the representatives led by Anna Hazare wanted Lokpal to have powers to delegate any of its powers and functions,barring those which are specifically to be performed by the benches of Lokpal,the government is learnt to have maintained that the entire body as a whole shall have quasi-judicial powers and authorised to pass orders.

The civil society representatives argued that this would overburden Lokpal with immense workload and make it unmanageable. The government,while refusing to concur with the view,assured to examine it and give its view in the subsequent meeting.

Another issue on which there were differences was transfer of an official if his/her continuance was perceived as an hindrance to investigations. While the civil society members wanted Lokpals order to be binding in this regard,the government wanted the same to be advisory in nature.

After the meeting,Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said there was consensus on almost half of the 40 points brought to the table by Anna Hazares five-member team. The committee will meet again on May 30.