Before passing the Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta bill 2014, the Himachal Pradesh assembly referred bill to the select committee for more amendments. Bill, that gives ombudsman special powers to have independent inquiry and prosecution wings, was introduced in the house on February 19.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the bill, which will repeal the existing Himachal Pradesh Lokayukta Bill of 1983, should be referred to a select committee for consideration. He said that Govt wanted to make Lokayukta effective and purposeful.
Virbhadra Singh said that the government would call a special session of the house to pass the Lokayukta bill.
Earlier, participating in the debate, Deputy Speaker JP Negi welcomed the bill and advised to make flawless. Congress legislator Asha Kumar and HLP lone legislature Maheshwar Singh stressed to strengthen the bill and advised to refer to the select committee.
The opposition, which has picked already picket many flaws in the bill, was absent from the house when the bill was introduced. Speaking to press, leader of opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal said the Lokayukta bill was legally flawed and can be challenged in the court of law. He said that the party would give its opinion on the bill to the select committee.
Another bill, Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which was also listed for passing, was also referred to the select committee.
