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The Mufti Mohammed Sayeed government on Saturday introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Accountability Commission Bill in the assembly.
The bill, which was introduced by Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig, envisages "establishment of an institution of accountability commission for inquiring into allegations and grievances against public men, including chief minister, ministers, legislators and other public functionaries, in the administration".
Beig said the bill not only "provides for investigation into the complaints of corruption, but also unexplained actions or omissions".
He explained that the "cause of action or grievance can be caused to anyone by not deciding a matter for months together by a minister, or any other public functionary, brought to his notice".
The commission can take cognisance of a complaint made within seven years from the date of occurrence of the action. However, it will not probe any complaint made after 12 months from the state on which action complained of or against becomes known to the complainant.
The commission can also take suo moto cognisance of any complaint.
The bill also protects public functionaries against "false, frivolous and vexatious complaints by providing punishment for such mala fide charges".
The bill "provides for imprisonment of not less than one year, extendable to three years with fine up to Rs 50,000, in case the commission is satisfied of the wilful and mala fide charges made by the complainant".
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