Title: Against Constitution: Tewari on bills to remove jailed PM, CMs
The Indian government has recently presented three bills in Parliament aimed at removing Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges from their positions. While the intention behind these bills may seem noble, many are concerned about the potential misuse of power and the threat it poses to the basic structure of the Constitution. One such vocal opponent of these bills is Congress MP Manish Tewari, who believes that they are fundamentally against the spirit of the Constitution.
According to Tewari, the Indian Constitution is clear in its stance on the principle of innocence until proven guilty. “The Constitution says that one is innocent until proven guilty, and that’s a fundamental principle of our democracy,” he said. “These bills completely disregard this principle and instead, pave the way for the removal of elected representatives based on mere allegations.”
Tewari’s concerns are not unfounded. The bills in question propose that the President or the Governor can remove a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister from office if they are facing serious criminal charges, even if they have not been convicted. This raises serious questions about the potential for misuse of power and the erosion of democratic values.
In an interview with a leading news publication, Tewari emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution’s principles. “The Indian Constitution is not just a piece of paper; it’s a living document that has been shaped by the struggles and sacrifices of our freedom fighters,” he said. “We cannot compromise on the fundamental principles of justice, equality, and democracy that it embodies.”
Tewari’s opposition to the bills is not limited to their breach of constitutional principles. He is also concerned about the potential for political vendetta and misuse of state instrumentalities. “The potential for misuse of state instrumentalities under these bills is enormous,” he said. “Imagine a scenario where a government uses these bills to target its political opponents or to silence dissenting voices. It’s a recipe for disaster.”
Tewari’s concerns are echoed by many experts and legal scholars who have analyzed the bills in question. They argue that the bills are a clear violation of the Constitution’s principles and are likely to lead to a culture of impunity and political instability.
In conclusion, the bills proposed by the government to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers facing serious criminal charges are a threat to the very fabric of our Constitution. They undermine the principles of justice, equality, and democracy that are enshrined in our Constitution and pave the way for the misuse of power.
As Tewari so eloquently put it, “We must protect the Constitution and its principles at all costs. We cannot compromise on our values and principles for the sake of political expediency or short-term gains.”
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