Against Constitution: Tewari on bills to remove jailed PM, CMs
The Indian Parliament has been witnessing a heated debate on three bills presented by Union Minister Amit Shah, aimed at removing Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges. The bills, if passed, would allow for the removal of these officials even if they are in jail or facing trial. However, Congress MP Manish Tewari has vehemently opposed these bills, terming them as “against the basic structure of the Constitution”.
Tewari, a former Union Minister and a senior Congress leader, argued that the Indian Constitution is based on the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”. He pointed out that the Constitution ensures that an individual is presumed innocent until a court of law has found them guilty. This principle is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, and it is the cornerstone of the Indian judicial system.
The Congress MP further emphasized that the proposed bills would create a situation where an individual could be removed from office without being given a fair trial. This, he said, would be a breach of the fundamental right to a fair trial and would undermine the very fabric of the Constitution.
Moreover, Tewari highlighted the potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under these bills. He warned that the proposed legislation would allow for the arbitrary removal of officials, not necessarily based on the merits of the case, but rather on the whims and fancies of the government in power. This, he said, would lead to a culture of vendetta politics, where officials would be removed simply for political reasons.
Tewari also pointed out that the bills would create a situation where the judiciary would be undermined. He argued that the removal of officials facing criminal charges would be done without a trial, which would undermine the authority of the judiciary. This, he said, would lead to a breakdown in the system of checks and balances, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
In conclusion, Tewari’s opposition to the proposed bills is based on his commitment to upholding the Constitution and the principles of justice. He believes that the proposed legislation would undermine the fundamental rights of citizens and create a culture of vendetta politics. As a responsible and vocal opposition leader, Tewari’s concerns are a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the Constitution and the principles of justice in a democratic society.
It is worth noting that the proposed bills have also been criticized by several other opposition parties and civil society organizations. They have argued that the bills would create a situation where officials could be removed without a trial, which would undermine the rule of law and the Constitution.
Overall, the debate on the proposed bills highlights the importance of upholding the Constitution and the principles of justice in a democratic society. It is essential that the government and the opposition work together to ensure that the proposed legislation is in line with the Constitution and the principles of justice.
