Government introduces Lokpal Bill; Hazare’s supporters burn copies

The government today introduced its version of a lokpal bill to check corruption in the Lok Sabha, amid protests by the civil society groups led by social activist Anna Hazare.

Members of 'team Hazare' publicly burnt copies of the government draft, and said the ''symbolic protest'' would continue till 16 August, when Hazare has threatened to go on another indefinite fast for a more comprehensive bill.  (See: Public says 'aye' to Hazare)

The Bharatiya Janata Party, the main opposition party, was quick in its way to condemn this version of the bill. Sushma Swaraj, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, told the house that the prime minister too should be brought within the ambit of the bill.

The original team to prepare a draft for the bill comprised a civil society team of five led by Hazare and including eminent jurists and a retired Supreme Court judge, and five government ministers.

The drafting committee was the outcome of a widely-supported public fast by Hazare demanding a powerful anti-graft watchdog. However, that panel broke down in acrimony between the two sides; and the government decided to go ahead with its own draft. (See: The government's proposals)

Since then, the civil members have often referred to the government version as a 'jokepal' bill.