New Delhi:
Amid Anna Hazare's agitation on the Lokpal issue, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice and Personnel, which is examining the Lokpal Bill, gave signals that it could "surprise" all those sceptical or cynical about the outcome of the exercise.
"Give the Standing Committee a chance. Allow us to do our work. We may collectively surprise all those who are sceptical or cynical," said Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress leader and chairman of the Standing Committee. He added that the Parliamentary Committee shared the people's concerns on corruption.
Singhvi has been maintaining that the panel examining the Lokpal Bill is open to all kinds of views to formulate a strong legislation and has not prejudged the issue.
Sources from the Committee said its next meeting is expected only in the first week of September. Teamm Anna however want a revised Lokpal Bill to be passed in Parliament by August 30.
The Committee has already invited views of diverse stakeholders on the proposed measure and Singhvi has said the panel will take them up clause by clause to include the ideal elements of each proposal to try and create the best and the strongest bill. But he added that to impose such a deadline was both implausible and unrealistic
"If we, at the Standing Committee, complete the entire process of consultations, analysis and arrive at a decision by August 30, will you not make fun of us? You will accuse us of not applying our minds."
The Parliamentary Committee announced on Saturday that it has sought public opinion and suggestions on the Lokpal Bill. It has thus given people 15 days to send in their feedback.