PM rejects demand for bringing CBI under Lokpal purview

Pushing for passage of the Lokpal Bill in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday rejected demands for bringing the Central Bureau of Investigation under the purview of the anti-graft ombudsman, warning that no entity should be created inconsistent with the country's Constitutional framework.

Intervening in the debate on Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, Singh dismissed opposition to the provision on setting up of Lokayuktas in states, saying federalism cannot be an impediment in the war against corruption as essential services in the states are the "bane"  of corrupt practices.

"There are some very special moments in the life of a nation. This is one such moment. The nation awaits with bated breath how the collective wisdom of this House will be eflected in the vote at the end of the debate on the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011," he said.

Noting that the broad provisions of this Bill have been vigorously debated both in the public domain and by political parties, Singh said it was his "honest belief" that the Bill before the House lived up to the promise that members collectively made to the people by way of the sense of the House at the end of the debate on August 27.

Speaking amidst animated debate that coincided with Anna Hazare's hunger strike in Mumbai, Singh underlined that the task of legislation was "very serious business and  must eventually be performed by all of us who have been constitutionally assigned this duty."

He said "others can persuade and have their voices heard. But the decision must rest with us." Rejecting demands for bringing CBI under the purview of Lokpal, he said, "I believe that the CBI should function independently of the Lokpal. We believe that the CBI should function without interference through any Government diktat."'

Cautioning that in the "enthusiasm to enact this law we must not falter", the Prime Minister said, "no institution and no individual, howsoever high he may be, should be  free from accountability."

Emphasising that "all institutional structures must be consistent with our Constitution", he said, "I believe that the Bill which is now before the House contains a judicious blend of functional autonomy and accountability of the CBI."

With the attack of Team Anna apparently weighing on his mind, Singh said, "Today we are given to believe that a government that is directly elected by the people and accountable to it cannot be trusted but a body that will not derive its legitimacy from the people directly or be accountable to it could be trusted to wield its immense powers with honour and trust."

He warned that "no entity should be created inconsistent with our constitutional framework and charged with onerous executive responsibilities without any accountability... Let us not create something that will destroy all that we cherish – all in the name of combating corruption. Let us remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions."