The Union cabinet today approved the Lok Pal Bill keeping the judiciary and the office of the Prime Minister out of its purview.

However, the draft Bill has proposals giving power to the institution of Lok Pal to proceed against leaders who demit the office of the PM in case allegations surface against them.

The Cabinet debated over the two draft Lok Pal Bills prepared by the Law Ministry and the civil society led by the anti-corruption crusader and Gandhian Anna Hazare. After a debate of one-and-a half-hours, the Cabinet finally favoured the one prepared by the Government.

This means that a Prime Minister can’t be touched by the Lok Pal institution as long he / she enjoys the prestigious office. But once he or she demits the office, the Lok Pal would be able to proceed against them.

Sources said that the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh favoured the inclusion of the PMO in the purview of the Lok Pal but other ministers ruled out his proposal.