Against Constitution: Tewari on bills to remove jailed PM, CMs
The Indian Parliament has been witnessing a tumultuous session, with the government presenting three bills to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges. However, the opposition has been vocal in their criticism, with Congress MP Manish Tewari being one of the most prominent voices against these bills. Tewari has termed these bills as “against the basic structure of the Constitution” and has expressed concerns about the enormous potential for misuse of state instrumentalities.
The bills, which were presented by Union Minister Amit Shah, aim to amend the Constitution to provide for the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges. The bills propose to add a new clause to Article 75 of the Constitution, which deals with the removal of the Prime Minister, and to amend Article 164, which deals with the removal of Chief Ministers.
Tewari, a seasoned politician and a member of the Congress party, has been a vocal critic of these bills. In a statement, he said, “These bills are against the basic structure of the Constitution. The Indian Constitution says that one is innocent until proven guilty. These bills are an attempt to change this fundamental principle and allow the removal of public officials based on mere allegations.”
Tewari’s concerns are not unfounded. The bills, if passed, could potentially lead to the removal of public officials based on serious criminal charges, without giving them a fair trial. This could have far-reaching consequences, as it could allow the government to remove public officials without due process.
Moreover, Tewari has also expressed concerns about the potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under these bills. He said, “The potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under these bills is enormous. With the government having the power to remove public officials based on mere allegations, it could use this power to silence its critics and opponents.”
Tewari’s concerns are echoed by many other opposition leaders, who have also slammed the bills as an attempt to undermine the Constitution and the democratic process. The bills have been criticized for being rushed and for lacking adequate safeguards to prevent misuse.
The government, however, has defended the bills, saying that they are necessary to ensure good governance and to prevent the misuse of power by public officials. The government has also claimed that the bills will help to strengthen the democratic process and to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
However, many experts have questioned the government’s claims, saying that the bills could have the opposite effect. They argue that the bills could lead to the erosion of trust in public institutions and could undermine the democratic process.
In conclusion, the bills to remove jailed PM, CMs and Ministers are a cause for concern. Tewari’s comments highlight the potential for misuse of state instrumentalities and the erosion of the basic principles of the Constitution. The opposition’s criticism of the bills is not unfounded, and it is essential that the government takes their concerns seriously and revises the bills to ensure that they are in line with the Constitution and the democratic process.
As the debate continues, it is essential that citizens remain vigilant and ensure that their voices are heard. The removal of public officials based on serious criminal charges is a serious issue, and it is crucial that we ensure that the process is fair and transparent.