Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill 2012 Passed by Meghalaya Legislative Assembly

The Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 was passed on 14 December 2012 in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and replaced the existing Lokayukta Act, 2002 amidst opposition from legislators.

The bill was passed rejecting the demand of the members either to refer the Bill to the House Select Committee or call a Special Session.

The new act under the lokayukta bill covered the chief minister, governor and all public servants, but allowed the state government through a clause to exclude the complaints by citing public interest.

The Lokayukta bill passed since sub-rules (c) of Rule 72 of the Rules of procedures and conduct of business was suspended, which allowed the speaker to move a motion to pass the Bill. The House is left with either to pass or reject or to refer it to a select committee at this stage.

Speaker Charles Pyngrope refused to accept the demand by opposition legislators for extension of the session and to refer the matter to a select committee saying it could still be amended in future.

NGO leaders who attended the session held placards reading The CM has betrayed the people and The Babus are to be blamed also. The House was subsequently adjourned sine-die.

The Lokayukta, along with the Income Tax Department and the Anti Corruption Bureau, helps in bringing corruption amongst the politicians and officers in the government service to public limelight.