Supreme Court

SC Judgement on POA

It is unfortunate that the central government counsel did not respond properly and raise objections against the dilution of the provisions of the Act. Unless immediate remedial measures are taken by the Central Government to undo the damage done by the judgement, the forces inimical to social equality and justice will be further emboldened to perpetrate violence against Dalits.

On Electoral Bonds

The constitutional challenge to the Electoral Bonds is on the ground that it flies into the face of the “right to know” in democratic functioning of the polity recognized under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, is arbitrary and thus violative of Article 14 of the Constitution and has been passed by perpetrating a fraud on the constitution by passing it as a money bill, even though it does not qualify as a Money Bill under Article 110 of the Constitution.

On the Supreme Court Verdict

It is necessary to clarify the difference between making an appeal on any of these elements for electoral gain or the defeat of an opponent candidate and the  raising of issues of social discrimination and injustices.  The latter are essential elements of any electoral discourse for attaining social justice and cannot be prohibited.

Central Govt. Must Intervene

The BJP heads the central government and the Haryana government and is a partner of the ruling coalition in Punjab. Given this situation, the central government must urgently intervene to ensure that tensions do not escalate. It is imperative that an agreement be evolved at the earliest.