Explained: What is Delhi's jan lokpal bill vs centre's lokpal bill

How different is the Delhi jan lokpal bill different from the one enacted by the Central government? Here are six points of difference.

How different is the Delhi jan lokpal bill different from the one enacted by the Central government? Here are six points of difference.

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Whistleblower protection
Central govt lokpal: No protection.

Delhi lokpal: Has provisions for protection of identity of whistleblowers and from harm or harassment, apart from framework to safeguard witnesses.

Selection of Lokpal
Central govt lokpal: The chairperson and members appointed by the President after obtaining the recommendations of a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister , LS speaker, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him and one eminent jurist nominated by the President.

Delhi lokpal: Consists of 1 Lokpal and 10 other members, who will be selected by a seven-member committee. The selection committee will have only two politicians — chief minister and Leader of Opposition, apart from two sitting high court judges, one previous lokayukta and two eminent personalities who will be selected by other members.

Delhi lokpal: Will be able to take suo motu cognisance of cases and will have wide-ranging powers to probe cases of corruption.

Punishment
Central govt lokpal: Has no power to seize property of person under scrutiny.

Delhi lokpal: Has power to seize the property of the person under scrutiny.

Maximum imprisonment
Central govt lokpal: 10 years.

Delhi lokpal: Life imprisonment.

Frivolous complaints
Central govt lokpal: Clause 46 of the Bill provides for a punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with a fine which may extend to Rs 1 lakh in case a complaint is found to be false and frivolous or vexatious.

Delhi lokpal: Fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and maximum imprisonment of one year.