Lokpal : The points of difference

Following is a summary of points of differences between Anna hazare team and government -

Team Anna: PM should be under the ambit of the Lokpal
Government: PM his office will not be under the purview of the Lokpal

Comment: Congress looks forward to Sonia/Rahul/Priyanka becoming PM in near future. They obviously would want them to be out of purview of Lokpal. Current PM, Manmohan Singh is ok with being under Lokpal's purview.

Team Anna: Lokpal need not summon accused before FIR
Government: Lokpal bench to hear before filing of FIR

Comment: Lokpal should have absolute powers. FIR or no FIR, Lokpal should be able to act on complaints of citizens.

Team Anna: Judiciary should be under Lokpal
Government: SC judges should not fall under Lokpal

Comment: Why should a supreme court judge not be covered ? Are they not prone to corruption. And we need to move out of the old theory that "Supreme court is supreme". Citizens/tax payers are supreme.

Team Anna:  Lokpal to cover sitting MPs
Government: MPs should be probed only after they relinquish seat

Comment : So that if MPs have to avoid probe, they can simply keep sticking to seats. How foolish ? Lokpal is required to curb corruption among those in power. There is sufficient legal system already present to control a common man.

Team Anna: Any citizen can appeal SC for removal of Lokpal
Government: Only government can complain to SC for the removal of Lokpal 

Comment: Why not a citizen ? Why is government trying to avoid empowering citizens ?

Team Anna: Predominantly Govt panel shouldn't select Lokpal
Government: 10-member panel will select Lokpal

Comment: The way to constitute the panel should be clearly defined. Who will be these ten members- should be transparent, clearly defined.

My overall view is that government/Congress is not in favour of an efficient Lokpal bill and at the same time can't avoid it due to tremendous public pressure. Hence, the entire government machinery from P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibbal, Digvijay singh and many more are busy delaying the lokpal bill or presenting it in a useless, toothless form.