Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Social activist Aruna Roy presented her views on the Lokpal bill Friday before the parliamentary standing committee on law and justice headed by Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

However, the deposition of Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar was postponed due to the lengthy submission made by Aruna Roy and her associates, said sources.

Sources further said the panel members discussed the bill version presented by Roy and have sought written responses on some points.

“It was a good meeting. The committee members showed interest in our presentation and discussed it in detail. We have been asked to clarify some points in writing,” said an Aruna Roy team member.

CVC Pradeep Kumar will be given a fresh date to give his views before the panel, said sources.

The 31-member panel was reconstituted a few days ago.

On Sep 24, the committee will further hear the views of M.R. Madhavan of PRS Legislative Research; Amod Kanth, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Ashok Kumar Parija, Chairman, Bar Council of India; Amarjeet Singh Chandhiok, president, Delhi High Court Bar Council; Pratap Bhanu Mehta, president, Centre for Policy Research; Harish N. Salve, senior Supreme Court advocate; and Dr.Udit Raj, president, Indian Justice Party.

The standing committee is expected to go through the various drafts of the Lokpal bill, including the Jan Lokpal Bill of Team Anna, before it.

Sources said there are various drafts of the Lokpal bill and the committee is expected to submit its recommendations to parliament before the winter session, scheduled to begin mid-November.