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Cabinet clears Lokpal Bill

The Union Cabinet is understood to have on Tuesday night cleared the long-discussed Lokpal Bill to check corruption in high places, bringing within its ambit the office of the prime minister and members of Parliament.

The Bill, which has been awaiting the government's nod, aims at ensuring probity in public life.

The approval of the Cabinet, at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, comes barely a month after the Tehelka expose on corruption in fictitious defence deals.

The Bill would now be placed before Parliament to secure its passage.

The ruling NDA in its election manifesto had pledged that its government would enact the Lok Pal Bill with adequate powers to deal with corruption charges against anyone, including the prime minister.

"In the administration of justice, we shall not allow discrimination between the rich and the poor, the empowered and the powerless, restore the majesty of law and objectivity of the state," it had said.

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