Lokpal Bill: Special emissary to seek President's nod

While the Lok Sabha passed the Lokpal Bill on Tuesday, a debate in Rajya Sabha on the Bill has been delayed till Thursday as the government has not been able to seek President’s nod for the same so far.

President Pratibha Patil is currently in Hyderabad and the government will send a special emissary to the Andhra capital to seek the President’s nod.

As per Article 117 of the Constitution, the President has to approve in writing before the Lokpal Bill passed by Lok Sabha could be forwarded to Rajya Sabha for debate and vote.

Article 117 states that a Bill or amendment making provision for any of the matters specified in sub clauses (a) to (f) of clause ( 1 ) of Article 110 shall not be introduced or moved except on the recommendation of the President.

If the President gives her nod without delay, the Lokpal Bill could be forwarded to Rajya sabha today itself and taken up for debate.

However, sources say that is unlikely to happen and the debate would most likely be held tomorrow, which is the last day of the extended Winter Session.