The Jan Lokpal Bill (also referred to as the citizens' ombudsman bill) is a proposed anti-corruption law in India. It is designed to effectively deter corruption, redress grievances and protect whistle-blowers. If passed and made into law, the bill seeks to create an ombudsman called the Lokpal (translation: protector of the people) - an independent body similar to the Election Commission of India with the power to investigate politicians and bureaucrats without prior government permission. First introduced in 1969, the bill has failed to become law for nearly over four decades.
| Draft Lokpal Bill (2010) | Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's Ombudsman Bill) |
|---|---|
| Lokpal does not have powers to investigate the prime minister. | Lokpal will have the powers to investigate the prime minister. |
| Lokpal can only probe complaints approved by the Speaker of theLok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. | Lokpal will have powers to initiate suo moto action or receive complaints of corruption from any citizen if it deems it worthy. |
| Lokpal will only be an Advisory Body with a role limited to forwarding reports to a "Competent Authority". | Lokpal will have the power to initiate prosecution of anyone found guilty. |
| Lokpal will have no police powers and no ability to register a First Information Report or proceed with criminal investigations. | Lokpal will have police powers as well as the ability to register FIRs. |
| The CBI and Lokpal will be unconnected. | Lokpal and the anti corruption wing of the CBI will be one independent body. |
| Punishment for corruption will be a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of up to 7 years. | Punishments will be a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of up to life imprisonment. |
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