Lokayukta Bill tabled in Odisha assembly

The Odisha government today placed the Lokayukta Bill in the state assembly that seeks to bring the chief minister and other ministers under the purview of a six-member anti-corruption commission.

The Bill was tabled by parliamentary affairs minister Kalpataru Das on behalf of chief minister Naveen Patnaik. The draft Lokpal Bill had got the Cabinet nod on January 5.

A discussion on the bill in the assembly is slated for Wednesday.

As per the provisions of the Bill, the incumbent as well as former chief ministers, ministers, MLAs, government officers, heads of panchayats and municipalities and trusts receiving government grants will come under the purview of the Lokayukta who is empowered to probe into graft charges.

The Lokayukta chairman will be either an existing or former High Court judge and the commission would consist of at least two judicial members.

The Lokayukta will be chosen by a selection committee headed by the chief minister and comprising other members including the Leader of the Opposition, speaker of the Odisha legislative assembly, Chief Justice of Odisha High Court or a judge nominated by him and an eminent jurist nominated by the Governor.

The chairman of the Lokayukta would be appointed by the Governor on the recommendations of the selection committee.

The Lokayukta investigating into corruption cases will be empowered to attach properties of the guilty for a period of 90 days. Special courts will be set up for trial of such cases.

Besides confiscation of properties, the Lokayukta may also recommend to the state government for transfer and suspension of any public servant.

The chairman will hold the office for a period of five years from the date he assumes office or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.The Lokayukta will not inquire into any complaint made against the chairperson or any other member.

For conduct of preliminary inquiry into any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant, the Lokayukta will constitute an enquiry wing headed by Director of enquiry not below the rank of under secretary.

In some cases of conducting preliminary enquiry, the enquiry wing will have all powers of a civil court under the code of civil procedure.

Also for prosecution of public servants, the anti- corruption commission may constitute a prosecution wing headed by Director, prosecution.Expenses of Lokayukta would be charged on the consolidated fund of the state.