Parliament Diary

Lok Sabha took up The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for consideration. The Bill was passed by the House. It amends The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. It makes giving of a bribe a direct offence.  It also redefines the provisions related to criminal misconduct by a public servant. Further, the Bill also requires a police officer to obtain prior permission before investigating an offence under the Bill.  Several members raised the issue of ambiguity in the provisions of the Bill. They raised questions regarding possession of disproportionate assets, increased threshold of investigation, and giving protection to a bribe giver under a situation of coercion. Members also raised the issue of non-constitution of the Lokpals and Lokayuktas in some states. 

Rajya Sabha discussed the non-implementation of the provisions of The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. Members raised issues related to the financial assistance provided to newly re-organised states and the limited funds that were being offered to Andhra Pradesh.

The discussion on The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Upper House has been shifted to the coming Monday.

*Note: Parliament was still in session at the time of sending this report.