Cabinet clears amendments to Lokpal Act

The union cabinet Wednesday gave its approval for amending the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to provide for inclusion of leader of largest opposition party in Lok Sabha in the selection panel in case there was no recognised leader of opposition in the house.

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved amendments to Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 for providing qualifications for appointment of director of prosecution in the Central Bureau of Investigation and for his functional independence.

The cabinet also gave its approval for introducing a bill in parliament for amending the Lokpal Act.

An official release said the proposed amendments will address some crucial deficiencies noticed in both the Acts.

"As regards the composition of the selection committee for selection of the chairperson and members of Lokpal, by providing that when there is no leader of opposition in the house of the people, recognized as such, the expression 'leader of opposition; shall include the leader of the largest party in opposition of the government in the Lok Sabha," it said.

"The amendments seek to synchronise the provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act with the existing regulating acts, rules and regulations in respect of declaration of assets and liabilities by various categories of public servants. The proposed amendments will, also ensure functional independence to the director of prosecution under the DSPE Act," it said.