M A I N   N E W S

Team Anna writes to PM
‘Merge CBI’s probe wing with Lokpal’
Tribune News Service

Reiterating the demand of Team Anna that the investigations wing of the CBI be merged with the Lokpal, the letter also demanded that the anti-corruption bureaus and vigilance departments in the states be merged with the Lokayuktas. However, should this not be possible the Lokpal and Lokayuktas should have their own investigative wings which should have exclusive jurisdiction over cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the letter suggested. The third option suggested in the letter was handing over administrative and financial control of the CBI to the Lokpal.

Team Anna is also demanding that panel set up to select the Lokpal comprise a larger section of society. Apart from the PM, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Hazare's supporters want two judges from the Supreme Court judges, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Chief Election Commissioner to be on the selection committee.

"Without these provisions, the Lokpal bill will be just another law - one among many that have proven ineffective so far," the letter said.

The letter also demanded that the Lokpal and Lokayuktas be given powers to initiate investigations suo motu without anyone lodging a complaint. "It should also not be required to alert the accused through preliminary enquiry or hearing before filing an FIR," the letter said.

Team Anna also demanded that the Lokpal/Lokayukta's jurisdiction should include Class C and D officers directly. On the selection of the Lokpal, Team Anna said it should be through the consensus of the selection panel.

"Selection committee should consist of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, two judges to be nominated by collegium of Supreme Court judges, CAG, CVC and CEC. Search committee to suggest nominees should consist of former Chief Justices, Former CAG, former CVC and former CEC. A detailed selection procedure should be prescribed in the law itself," the letter said.