Lokpal and CBI

·         The magnitude of corruption in the Central government departments is mind-boggling,

·         we first need an effective anti-graft machinery at the Centre, rather than in the States

·         ushering in of a Lokpal should in no way dilute the CBI's legal authority or its operational effectiveness.

·         CBi was made ineffective withthe insertion of Section 6A in the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, making it mandatory for the CBI to get prior government permission before it can even proceed with a preliminary enquiry (PE) against an official of and above the rank of Joint Secretary in 2003

·         it amounted to deliberate emasculation of an organisation that requires teeth to tackle public servant corruption.

·         Following the Vineet Narain judgment (1997) by the Supreme Court, the superintendence of the CBI's anti-corruption work is with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

·         we have had some non-interfering and mature Central Vigilance Commissioners, and an equally responsible and self-effacing CBI leadership.

·         most sensible thing to do would be to transfer the existing authority of superintendence of the CBI from the CVC to the Lokpal