Lokpal in Capsule

Lokpal is a proposed anti corruption mechanism in India that would be empowered to register and investigate complaints of corruption against politicians and bureaucrats.  The formation of the body and its powers are under discussion and much controversy now. 

L M Singhvi

Lokpal in sanskrit means protector of the people.  The word in its current context was coined in 1963 by L M Singhvi, an M P, during a debate in parliament as Nehru did not like the world 'Ombudsman'.  His son Abhishek Manu Singhvi is the head of the Parliamentary Standing Committee reviewing the bill.

The Lokpal bill was first introduced by Shanti Bhushan in 1968 and  the 4th Lok Sabha in 1969 passed it. But the Lok Sabha was dissolved before it went though the upper house.  The Subsequent versions were re-introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008,but none of them were passed.

Shanti Bhushan and his son Prashanth Bhushan are the members of India Against Corruption, which drafted a version of the bill called 'Jan Lokpal Bill'.  Anna Hazare gives leadership to this movement.  The government draft is different in certain points and hence the clash between civil society and the government.

The bill will be introduced in the parliament in December 2011.