PDT ACHARYA, former secretary of LOK SABHA, told CNBC-TV18: “It is not possible for this government to have the bill to LOK SABHA adopt. He explained that the power alliance has approximately 292 members, while the bill requires the support of at least 366 deputies if all are present.
Acharya has also questioned the need for such a law, stressing that sufficient guarantees already exist for elected representatives. He criticized the precipitated presentation of the bill, saying that it was presented “at the last minute, without any consultation with anyone”. He added that it is unlikely that this decision will set up opposition to corruption, because the Indians have already been resigned to corruption in politics and would not consider this as a major change.
Aman Lekhi, senior lawyer at the Supreme Court, was even more critical. He described the bill “caricature of what law should be and affront to common sense”, adding: “It is as if someone played with colored pencils. It is not in this way a legislation, not to mention constitutional amendments, should be developed”. Lekhi said the proposal is a “populist measure” and “hollow rhetoric” aimed at optics rather than a real reform.
He argued that the bill was defective both legal and structural. By making the arrest the only basis of referral, this undermines the principle of “innocence until proven otherwise” and violates the constitutional standards of governance and collective responsibility. “Whoever wrote it in a very childish, immature and amateur manner,” said Lekhi, warning that the legislation would not resist judicial examination.
These comments come at the end of a mousson stormy parliamentary session, which was adjourned Sine Die after disruption, adjournment and demonstrations.
Watch the accompaniment video for the entire discussion.
