The BJP has taken the lead in stalling the UPA
Government’s move to amend Representation of the People Act to nullify the
Supreme Court verdict that disqualifies any elected Member of Parliament and
State Legislature if the Member is convicted for crime by the trial court with
a punishment of two years or more.
It is a welcome move by the BJP and I hope leaders of
other political parties who genuinely believe that criminals have no place in
Parliament and State Legislature should join hands with the BJP in saying no to
any move that dilutes the decision of the Supreme Court.
On Friday September 6, last working day of the monsoon
session of Parliament, the government wanted to move amendments to change
clause 4 of Section 8 of the R P Act so that the Supreme Court judgment becomes
void a convicted Member is allowed to enjoy the perks and privileges of an MP
or an MLA/ MLC by retaining seat till the pendency of appeal in higher court is
disposed of.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday September 5, 2013 has
rejected the government’s review petition challenging its earlier verdict that
disqualifies convicted Member from the House. The disqualification would end
only after the higher court absolves the accused of the crime for which he or
she is convicted by the trial court.
We know that some political parties are desperate to
nullify the SC judgment since they have good number of MPs and MLAs who are
convicted by the trial court but continue to be Members of the House since
their appeal is pending in higher courts for adjudication.
In the past, several attempts were made by the Election
Commission to end the growing cases of criminalization of politics in India.
The Commission invited opinions from all political parties on the subject. It
was suggested that Political parties should take initiatives and deny party nomination
to tainted or criminal netas to contest elections.
In every elections in the past, all political parties
fielded some candidates with criminal records saying that others have also such
candidates so why not ‘us’.
The BJP has now come out with its decision to oppose
any amendment to the R P Act that gives protection to the convicted MPs. MLAs
and MLCs.
The Congress and its allies are now exposed in the
game. The government earlier argued that it was bringing amendments to the R P
Act since all political parties wanted it and that it had received written
petitions from many leaders and Members of Parliament supporting the
government’s move.
I can’t say for others, but the Central leadership of
the BJP has taken a conscious decision not to support the Congress led
government to protect criminals in politics.
A nationwide survey conducted by a private agency found
that 97 % of the people of the country want criminals out of politics. The
survey found that people want”.. those convicted of serious crime should not be
allowed to govern and rule the country”.
The Director of the Global network ‘Awaz’ Ricken Patel
has said in a statement, “This poll could not be any clearer: India’s democracy
to be distinguished. Politicians love big majorities and 97% of people want
convicted MPs forced out of office. The Supreme Court ruling should stand”.
~R K Sinha
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