The Rajya Sabha today passed the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 by a voice vote. The House rejected the amendments moved by the Left Parties during the voting on the Bill.

Replying to five-hour long debate, Law Minister, Kapil Sibal urged the states to take up this bill as a model and pass the Lokayuktas Bill as early as possible.

On inducting legislators in the Lokpal, Mr. Sibal said there will be a conflict of interest, if they are made members of the anti-corruption ombudsman. He said the Lokpal is supposed to investigate cases of corruption against elected representatives of the public and the public servants.

Earlier, initiating the discussion, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said that his party is supporting the bill. He said history has given a chance to rectify the shortcomings in the existing anti-corruption mechanism. Mr. Jaitley pointed out that there should not be religion-based reservations in the institution of the proposed Lokpal. He also wanted the rephrasing of the clause relating to search and seizure operations in the bill. Mr. Jaitley urged other political parties not to politicize the bill and said this is not a criminal law but only meant for ensuring better civilian administration services.

Satish Chandra Mishra of the BSP defended the reservations for minorities and weaker sections. He congratulated the government for incorporating the provisions relating to the reservations in the bill.

Sitaram Yechury of the CPIM suggested a curb on funding by Corporates to the political parties. He demanded that the corporate sector be brought under the ambit of the Lokpal. He also wanted charitable institutions to be under its purview but not the religious institutions.

Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party members staged a walkout saying that the proposed legislation is not in the interest of the country. Senior party leader Ram Gopal Yadav expressed apprehension that the bill will tarnish the image of politicians.

The bill provides for the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre. It will consist of a Chairperson and not more than eight members. The Chairperson may be either a serving or retired Chief Justice of India, or a Judge of the Supreme Court or an eminent person. Fifty per cent of the total members shall be from the higher judiciary.

The Chairperson and the members of the Lokpal shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by him. One eminent person recommended by the Selection committee and nominated by the President will be its fifth member.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 could not be passed in the House in December 2011. It was brought back after being referred to the Parliamentary Select Committee that recommended a number of amendments to make it widely acceptable among the political parties. The Bill will be taken up in the Lok Sabha tomorrow.