PM asks Hazare to adopt more rational approach on Lokpal

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has asked ex Chief Justice of India JS Verma to use his good offices to urge Anna Hazare and his supporters to adopt a more rational approach with regard to his demand for a strong Lokpal.

Singh said that nothing should be done to undermine Parliamentary democracy. This came in the wake of the deadlock between Team Anna and the government over the Lok Pal issue.

Responding to a letter from former Chief Justice J S Verma, Singh asserted that it is only after “due deliberation” that a law can be passed that not only meets the aspirations of the people but is also “practical and effective”.

Virtually rejecting the August 30 deadline set by Hazare for passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, he said, “It is the bounden duty of Parliament to pass a law only after its members have had reasonable time and opportunity to hear a wide range of public opinions and apply their minds to its various provisions.”