IOS Forms Panel on Lokpal

A view of discussion on Jan Lokpal Bill: Minorities' Perspective

New Delhi, September 11: The Delhi-headquartered Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) has formed a panel of five eminent jurists to study the provisions of different Lokpal bills, including the Janlokpal Bill, and suggest improvements, especially from the perspective of minorities and other weaker groups.

The decision was taken at a meeting of 15 jurists here today. The following five form the committee: Justice A M Ahmadi, Former Chief Justice of India, Chairman; Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Advocate, Convenor; Mr. Y. H. Muchhala, Advocate Bombay High Court; Mr. S.M. Kazmi, Former Chairman, UP Minority Commission and Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Orissa, all members.

Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, economist and member-secretary of Sachar Committee, has been assigned to provide “socio-economic” inputs to the committee. Dr. Shariff also happens to have a law degree, though he does not practises law.

IOS Chairman Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam said that a fuller view of things should be presented to the standing committee of Parliament to have a realistic piece of legislation on anti-corruption mechanism. Hence, the IOS move to have the bills re-examined by another panel of jurists.