Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Powers for Lok Pal

The second Administrative Reforms Commission's recommendation to give constitutional status to the Lok Pal and rename it the Rashtriya Lok Ayukta is laudable and wholesome.

If implemented, the move will go a long way in ushering in probity in public life. However, the moot question is whether the recommendations will be approved and adopted by our representatives as they are in conflict with their scheme of things.

H.P. Murali,
Bangalore

The Prime Minister's exclusion from the Rashtriya Lok Ayukta's purview will negate the benefits of the other recommendations to some extent. In a democracy, the ultimate sovereignty rests with the people.

Nothing should be hidden or exempted from the people's audit. Caesar's wife should be above suspicion.

Capt. T. Raju,
Secunderabad

Keeping the Prime Minister out of the ombudsman's purview will defeat the basic principle that all are equal in the eyes of the law. The reasoning — that the Government's viability will be eroded and Parliament's supremacy will be in jeopardy if his conduct is scrutinised — is not convincing. If people in high places work with a clear conscience, no force can jeopardise their position or that of the institution they head.

If the Prime Minister is also brought within the ambit of the Lok Pal, the institution's credibility and position will be enhanced.

V. Hariharan,
Chennai

The ARC's position that the Prime Minister should be kept out of the Rashtriya Lok Ayukta's jurisdiction is debatable. This will, in effect, amount to protecting him from any investigation.

K. Vijayakumar,
Bangalore

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