Govt approves amendments to Lokpal Bill passed by Lok Sabha

The bill is likely to come up in Rajya Sabha later this month.

Amendments to the Lokpal Bill when it was passed in the Lok Sabha in December last year today received post-facto approval of the government even as ministers discussed the passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha where it is likely to come up later this month.

While being passed in the lower house,government had agreed to several amendments,including the one under which an inquiry against the Prime Minister has to be approved by a two-thirds majority of the full bench of the Lokpal.

When introduced in Lok Sabha,the bill had provided that an inquiry against the PM has to be approved by a three-fourths majority of the full bench of the Lokpal.

Story continues below this ad

Another amendment was that once passed,the bill will be applicable to states if they give consent to its application.

Changes also include keeping personnel of the armed forces out of the purview of the anti-corruption watchdog and increasing the exemption time of former MPs from five to seven years.

Sources said that after the amendments agreed to in Lok Sabha were approved,ministers informally discussed the passage of the bill in Rajya Sabha where it is currently stuck.

The bill in its amended form is likely to be taken up by the Rajya Sabha when Parliament session resumes in the second half of the budget session from April 24.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India1 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog