The Cabinet has cleared the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill. The decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi last evening. The Bill has the provision of creating an institutional arrangement for speedy investigation, disposal of cases and providing relief and rehabilitation to victims of communal violence. It also seeks imposition of enhanced punishment for persons involved in communal violence. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that the Bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament today.

The Rajya Sabha will take up the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill for passage today. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said the Bill is the highest priority for the government and it is even ready to extend the current session of Parliament for passage of the anti-corruption measure. Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohd. Hamid Ansari convened an all party meeting in New Delhi yesterday over the issue. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Kamal Nath said, all political parties, except the Samajwadi Party, have agreed to pass the Lokpal and the Lokayukta Bill under all circumstances today.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley has given notice for suspension of Question Hour today to pass the bill. After the bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha, it will go to the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha had passed the Lokpal Bill in December, 2011 but as the Rajya Sabha Select Committee recommended amendments to the bill, the amended version will have to be approved by the Lok Sabha.