Differences between Govt. Lokpal bill and Jan lokpal bill

Comparision of  Lokpal & Jan Lokpal

(Comparing Govt.Lokpal and Anna team Lokpal)

The mood is infectious, the energy palpable. Allowing him to fast 'unconditionally' at Ramlila Grounds is being heralded as a victory for Anna Hazare. It is time now, to go back to the real issue of 'why' Anna is fasting and that is for a much stronger version of the anti-corruption Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill as conceived in the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Interestingly Lokpal Bills were introduced in the Parliament several times (1969, 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008) but failed to be passed each time. Here's a comparison of the Lokpal Bill and the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Point 1 -- Power
Jan Lokpal: Investigations can be initiated by the Lokpal suo moto in any case and or based on a direct complaint from the public. A reference or permission from anyone for investigation into any case is not required.

Govt's Lokpal: Lokpal does not have the authority to either initiate action suo motu in any case or even receive complaints of corruption from general public. The general public can make complaints to the speaker of Lok Sabha or chairperson of Rajya Sabha and the complaints forwarded by Speaker/ Chairperson to Lokpal would be investigated by Lokpal.

Issue to debate: The government version on this point not only severely restricts the functioning of Lokpal, it also provides a tool in the hands of the ruling party to have only those cases referred to Lokpal which pertain to political opponents (since speaker is always from the ruling party). Moreover such a clause would also allow the ruling party to protect its own politicians.