CBI out of Lok Pal control

Refusing to yield to Anna Hazare's demand, the government has kept the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) out of the control of Lok Pal and decided not to hive off the Directorate of Prosecution from the investigative agency.

The Lok Pal, with Constitutional status, will, however, have superintendence over the cases referred to CBI by the anti-graft ombudsman, according to the draft Bill that was considered by the Union Cabinet at a special meeting tonight.

The watchdog will have the powers to carry out preliminary inquiry to be headed by a Director of Inquiry and will have a prosecution wing under a Director.

The Lok Pal, which will be an eight-member body, will have a term of five years and its chairman or a member can be impeached only after at least 100 MPs make a representation.

Departing from the original Bill, the government has now proposed 50% reservation for SC/ST, OBCs, Minorities and Women in the Lok Pal Bench and in the search committee.

Half of the bench would be members from judicial background, sources said.

The Lok Pal and the members will be selected by a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by him and a jurist of eminence nominated by the President.