The Delhi Janlokpal Bill, 2015 passed by the assembly after encompassing two amendments proposed by activist Anna Hazare. The anti-corruption bill was passed with 64 votes in the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government described it as the strongest anti-graft legislation in the country.
First amendment:
A seven-member panel would select two members and chairperson in the institution of Jan Lokpal.
Second amendment:
- Jan Lokpal would be impeached only after a high court monitored probe against the ombudsman.
- Lokpal will have powers to probe acts of corruption against Union ministers and central government officials working in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, which may spark another round of conflict between the Kejriwal government and the Centre.
Jan Lokpal Bill:
Drafted by Justice Santosh Hegde (former Supreme Court Judge and former Lokayukta of Karnataka), Prashant Bhushan (Supreme Court Lawyer) and Arvind Kejriwal, the draft Bill envisages a system where a corrupt person found guilty would go to jail within two years of the complaint being made and his unlawful wealth being seized.
- It also seeks power to the Jan Lokpal to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats without government permission.
- Anna Hazare, anti-corruption advocate, went on a fast-unto-death demanding this Bill drafted by the civil society to be adopted.