Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice has suggested that the anti-corruption wings of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) can be brought under the ambit of Lokpal.
The panel, headed by veteran Congress MP EM Sudarsana Natchiappan, said at present there is overlap in jurisdiction and functions of CVC, Lokpal and even CBI in certain areas, which can create serious functional problems.
“Further, existing provisions make it possible for a complaint of corruption against an official being dealt simultaneously by multiple agencies such as Lokpal, CVC, CBI and Vigilance Unit of his/her organisation which may lead to confusion,” the panel said and recommended that CVC and CBI be fully integrated with Lokpal.
The report added that Lokpal should utilise both the organisations for conduct of enquiry, investigation and prosecution. Such an integrated setup, Natchiappan told reporters after tabling of the report in Parliament, would be a more potent body to deal with corruption cases and cause least financial burden on the exchequer.
It also urged the Centre to specify the functions of the Lokpal and CVC and said on such integration, Director of Enquiry available in CVC would serve as the Director of Enquiry of Lokpal and there is no need for creation of a separate post of Director of Enquiry in the Lokpal.
“The headquarters of the Lokpal should also be housed in the present CVC headquarters itself,” the panel said. The committee said frequent directions to CBI to handle cases relating to Prevention of Corruption Act by the apex courts pre-empts rights and remedies available to people under criminal justice system.