New Delhi: Following are the salient features of the amended Lokpal bill passed by the Rajya Sabha yesterday-
The old bill said the law shall be applicable to states only if they give consent to its application. The old bill gave power to the central government to appoint state Lokayuktas while the new draft gives this power to the states.
The older version said the chairperson shall be the Chief Justice of India or a present or former judge of the Supreme Court or a non-judicial member with specified qualifications (chief justice or a judge of a high court).
In the old bill, selection of the fifth person was left entirely to the president.
The old bill expanded definition of public servant by bringing societies and trusts which receive donations from the public (over a specified annual income) and, organisations which receive foreign donations (over Rs.10 lakh a year) within the purview of the Lokpal.
Under the old bill, prosecution of the case could be done only by the prosecution wing of the Lokpal.
Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal will be only with the approval of Lokpal who will also have superintendence over CBI in relation to Lokpal referred cases.
Inquiry against the prime minister has to be held in-camera and approved by two-thirds of the full bench of the Lokpal.