Against Constitution: Tewari on bills to remove jailed PM, CMs
In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate, Union Minister Amit Shah recently presented three bills in Parliament aimed at removing Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges. The proposed legislation has been met with criticism from various quarters, with Congress MP Manish Tewari being one of the most vocal opponents. According to Tewari, the bills are “against the basic structure of the Constitution” and have the potential to be misused.
Speaking to the media, Tewari emphasized that the Indian Constitution is built on the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” He argued that the proposed bills undermine this fundamental right and pose a grave threat to the democratic fabric of the country.
The three bills in question – the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, and the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill – aim to remove political leaders who are facing criminal charges and have been arrested or are in jail. The bills propose to disqualify such individuals from holding public office, effectively allowing for their removal from positions of power.
Tewari, a former Union Minister and a member of the Congress party, has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the bills. He has argued that the proposed legislation is a clear attempt to undermine the Constitution and the democratic principles it enshrines.
In his criticism, Tewari has highlighted the potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under the proposed bills. He has argued that the bills give the government excessive powers to target political opponents and silence dissenting voices.
“The potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under these bills is enormous,” Tewari warned. “It is a recipe for disaster, and it will only serve to erode the trust of the people in the democratic system.”
Tewari’s concerns are not unfounded. The proposed bills have raised concerns among civil society organizations, opposition parties, and even some members of the ruling party. Many have argued that the bills are a threat to the democratic system and the rule of law.
The bills have also been criticized for being vague and ambiguous. Critics have argued that the definition of “serious criminal charges” is too broad and could be used to target political opponents. Others have argued that the bills do not provide adequate safeguards to ensure that the removal of political leaders is not arbitrary or discriminatory.
Tewari’s criticism of the bills has been echoed by other opposition leaders and civil society organizations. Many have argued that the bills are a clear attempt to undermine the Constitution and the democratic principles it enshrines.
As the debate around the proposed bills continues, it is clear that the stakes are high. The bills have the potential to fundamentally alter the political landscape of the country and undermine the democratic system.
In conclusion, the proposed bills aimed at removing Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges are a clear attack on the Constitution and the democratic principles it enshrines. As Tewari has argued, the potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under these bills is enormous, and it is imperative that the government reconsider its approach.
News source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/1958099763255201859
