BJP is also against the provision that before a preliminary inquiry is initiated against an official facing charges, the Lokpal should give him a hearing. “This would render the inquiry or investigation otiose.
In cases involving bribery, accumulation of wealth, disproportionate assets, where an official has to be taken by surprise, searched and raided, the provision for grant of an opportunity for hearing before such action can be taken would defeat the purpose of evidence collection,” Jaitley said.
He also insisted that not only religious institutions but other bodies which have “nothing to do with the government or instrumentality of the state” should be exempted from the jurisdiction of Lokpal.
“There cannot be a provision for a religion based reservation in the matter of jurisdiction of Lokpal,” Jaitley said and insisted that the Select Committee's view be adopted by the government.
