Post RS clearance, Lokpal Bill set for Lok Sabha test today

The Lokpal Bill is set to enter the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after it was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. A four-hour debate has been fixed by the Lok Sabha Speaker for the Lokpal Bill.

This comes after a rare moment of camaraderie when the Congress-led UPA and BJP-led NDA came together to ensure the smooth passage of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday to take India a step closer to a strong anti-corruption ombudsman. The Bill was passed with several amendments.

Also Read: Congress, BJP push for Lokpal; Anna supports it

In the Upper House of Parliament all the major parties with the exception of the Samajwadi Party, which walked out in protest against the legislation, took part in the over five-hour long debate and hoped that after the Bill becomes a law, cases of corruption against legislators will be deposed off quickly. Calling the passing of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill a \\"landmark step\\", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked all those who supported the move.

Social activist Anna Hazare, who is on an indefinite fast for a strong Lokpal in Ralegan Siddhi, too thanked Rajya Sabha MPs for passing the Bill and wished that the Lok Sabha will pass it too. He said, \\"I will end my fast after the Lok Sabha passes the Lokpal Bill.\\"

A five-member Committee comprising of the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist will appoint the Lokpal. The first four members will select a eminent jurist as the fifth member.