Government keen to bring Lokpal in this session: Khurshid

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Law and Justice minister Salman Khurshid on Monday said the government wanted to pass the Lokpal bill in the current winter session, but was not doing this under any pressure.

He said the final draft of the anti-graft bill will be ready ‘tonight’ before it goes to Cabinet.

"Our attempt is to bring the bill in this session. We are not doing this under any pressure. Some parties think that there should be more deliberations," Khurshid told reporters after a high-level meeting on the bill in North Block, where the home and finance ministries are housed.

"The draft is almost ready, now only the cabinet has to go through the draft, which will be done after it is seen by prime minister," he said.

Asked if it will be presented to the prime minister on Monday, the minister evaded a reply. He also did not give any clear indication on whether the winter session may be extended for passing the Lokpal bill.

He added that several officials have been staying up for last three nights to finalise the draft.

"A lot of our officials have not slept for three nights, and I hope this will be the last night that they have to stay awake," he said.