Can LokPal work independently?
One of the primary examples of how an agency can curb corruption if it is given an opportunity to work honestly and diligently is Karnataka Lokayukta. Our state Lokayukta commands special respect among such agencies existing all over India. It brought a CM to his knees and forced him to resign over illegal mining case. Many people’s representatives were sent to jail and lost their political clout finally. The whole country looked at Karnataka Lokayukta with awe.
When Lokayukta began its deep probe on politicians, all of them came together to finish it off. They have now clipped its wings and just allowed its existence to work without any hindrance. At a time when govt interferes with investigating agencies costing them their reputation and trust among people, the very first Lokayukta has been appointed in India. This was done after massive movement by people. Since LokPal can investigate the central ministers and leaders, the significance is naturally high. Even BJP had insisted on LokPal appointment when UPA was at the centre. But after clinching power, BJP fell silent over the matter.
Modi government didn’t pay heed to any pleas by Anna Hazare and many others insisting on the setting up of LokPal. But Modi government didn’t pay heed to that till the term was close to being over, and appointed a LokPal now when the govt is facing another term of elections. This shows the level of seriousness of the government regarding LokPal, because this has been done only with the lone purpose of pulling wool over people’s eyes. Corruption may not end with the appointment of LokPal. Considering the example of Karnataka, even this govt has not given total power to Lokayukta. Turning it into a toothless tiger is not a big deal of the politicians make up their minds on that.
For many years, we didn’t have justices to fill the positions of Lokayukta. With Santosh Hegde at the helm of affairs of this agency some time ago, today one wonders whether a Lokayukta even exists in the state. Country has seen how the CBI is suffering. The chief of this investigating agency was kicked out unconstitutionally because he wanted to investigate Rafale deal. Govt did not even pay heed to the SC’s directive regarding this issue. Finally, such a situation was created that the CBI chief had to resign and go out. Having used premier institutes to fulfil its political gains, the Modi government has ruined the credibility of such institutions.
Governments earlier would try to clandestinely try to control CBI and other such agencies, but Modi government has made no such cover-up efforts. Today CBI is full time puppet of the government. Hence the appointment of Lokpal is not a matter to rejoice too much. Because how does one expect LokPal to work independently when we have seen the fate of CBI? This would just be another agency established to add more jewels to their crowns.
LokPal can investigate people’s representatives too. It works as a watchdog of Democracy. If it takes up a case like Rafale, it’s not difficult to imagine how Modi would respond to it. LokPal alone cannot check corruption unless it gets full power. Else it would work like a bonded labour of central government. If this agency gets full power, the first bomb will fall on our political leaders. Why would they even make a mistake that can finish them?
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Delhi High Court to hear disqualification plea against PM Modi
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court will hear a petition requesting to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi from contesting elections for a period of six years. The plea, filed by lawyer Anand S Jondhale, accuses PM Modi of soliciting votes for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by invoking Hindu and Sikh deities and places of worship.
The petition calls for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action under the Representation of Peoples Act, urging PM Modi's disqualification and a prohibition on soliciting votes in the name of religious figures and sites.
The petitioner's grievance stems from PM Modi's speech delivered on April 9th in Uttar Pradesh, where he allegedly invoked Hindu and Sikh deities and made remarks favouring certain religious groups over others.
Jondhale contends that PM Modi's speeches have the potential to incite religious and caste-based animosity among voters, and thus calls for action in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct.
Earlier, Jondhale had lodged a complaint with the ECI, seeking the registration of an FIR against PM Modi under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code and his disqualification from elections for six years. However, he claims that no action has been taken by the ECI on the matter thus far.
