Delhi LG seeks law ministry's view on Jan Lokpal bill

Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung Monday said that though the central government's approval is required for introducing the Jan Lokpal bill in the assembly, he has sought the law ministry's opinion over its constitutional position.

"Despite the predominant view that there is a need to send the proposed bill for prior consent to the union government through the Lt. Governor, the chief minister feels that there are opinions to the contrary and he has obtained the legal opinion on the same," said a statement from Jung's office.

"To avoid any dispute in the matter and obtain full clarity, the Lt. Governor has referred the matter to the ministry of law and justice for a final opinion on the constitutional position," the statement added.

Earlier Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Jung and discussed the issue of the Jan Lokpal bill.

"As Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung is caught between the constitution and the union home ministry orders, he will now seek an opinion from the law ministry," Kejriwal told reporters.

The statement from the lt. governor also said it was very important to combat corruption and that Jung shared the same values as the chief minister to end corruption at all levels.

"The question is the need to follow procedures as mandated under the constitution," it said.