English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Despite political uproar, PIL in Raj HC, Raje govt tables immunity Bill in Assembly

Published

8 years ago

on

Vasundhra Raj

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Centre has defended the controversial Bill while Congress, a section of jurists and the Editors Guild have called it illegal

Amid a huge political uproar and even dissent within its own legislators, the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in Rajasthan, on Monday, tabled a controversial Bill for passage in the state Assembly. The move came on a day when senior lawyer AK Jain filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Rajasthan High Court challenging the Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 on the ground that its provisions are “unconstitutional”.

The controversial Bill, which if enacted would replace an ordinance of the same title that was promulgated by the Raje government on September 7, seeks to protect serving and former judges, magistrates and public servants in the state from being investigated for on-duty action, without prior sanction to prosecute being granted by the Rajasthan government. The Bill also proposes a gag on the media from reporting on such cases against former and serving babus and the state’s judiciary till such a time when sanction to prosecute the public servant is granted by the state.

The Congress, which is the principal Opposition party in the state, along with a section of jurists, the Editors Guild of India, and even BJP legislators Ghanshyam Tiwari and Narpat Singh Rajvi have slammed the Vasundhara Raje government over the ordinance (now a Bill), terming it “unconstitutional” and “reminiscent of the days of Emergency”.

However, the BJP-led central government has come out in support of the ordinance with minister of state for law and justice, PP Choudhary – a Lok Sabha MP from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur constituency – terming the proposed legislation as one that is “very much needed in these times”. Speaking to news agency ANI, Choudhary said about the proposed Bill: “This is a perfect and balanced legislation. It takes care of the media as well as rights of an individual. This legislation was very much needed in these times.”[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDYmxvY2txdW90ZSUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydHdpdHRlci10d2VldCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTNFJTNDcCUyMGxhbmclM0QlMjJlbiUyMiUyMGRpciUzRCUyMmx0ciUyMiUzRVllJTIwYmlsa3VsJTIwcGVyZmVjdCUyMGF1ciUyMGJhbGFuY2VkJTIwa2Fub29uJTIwaGFpJTNBJTIwTW9TJTIwTGF3JTIwYW5kJTIwSnVzdGljZSUyQyUyMFAlMjBQJTIwQ2hhdWRoYXJ5JTIwb24lMjB0YWJsaW5nJTIwb2YlMjBDcmltaW5hbCUyMExhd3MlMjAlMjhSYWphc3RoYW4lMjBBbWVuZG1lbnQlMjklMjBvcmRpbmFuY2UlMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdC5jbyUyRnM2Q2tsRHhrdEwlMjIlM0VwaWMudHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZzNkNrbER4a3RMJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMjZtZGFzaCUzQiUyMEFOSSUyMCUyOCU0MEFOSSUyOSUyMCUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRkFOSSUyRnN0YXR1cyUyRjkyMjM1MDU0MjI4NTc2MjU2MCUzRnJlZl9zcmMlM0R0d3NyYyUyNTVFdGZ3JTIyJTNFT2N0b2JlciUyMDIzJTJDJTIwMjAxNyUzQyUyRmElM0UlM0MlMkZibG9ja3F1b3RlJTNFJTBBJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwYXN5bmMlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjIlMkYlMkZwbGF0Zm9ybS50d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRndpZGdldHMuanMlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]On Monday, as the Bill was tabled in the Rajasthan Assembly, the Congress announced that it would fight against the Raje government’s “attempt to cover up their own corruption” and that the party will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind over the issue. Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot along with several other party members, who were carrying out a peaceful protest march to the Raj Bhavan in Jaipur to submit a memorandum to the Governor challenging the ordinance, were detained by the police earlier in the day.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Interestingly, the political opposition to the immunity ordinance has come not just from Congress but also from a section of BJP legislators. Soon after the Bill was tabled in the Rajasthan Assembly on Monday morning, BJP MLAs Ghanshyam Tiwari and Narpat Singh Rajvi termed it “a black law” and said that the “legislation seeks to grant immunity to the corrupt”.

Tiwari, senior BJP MLA from Sanganer constituency and a former state education minister, said: “The law ushers in an era of emergency and violates the basic freedoms guaranteed to a citizen. They (the government) issued this ordinance, a month ago. They have granted immunity to themselves, their ministers, and the members of the CMO who have been involved in corrupt practices. This black law, which is unconstitutional and reminiscent of the days of the Emergency, will protect those in power.”

Meanwhile, in a statement issued late on Sunday night, the Editors Guild of India termed the ordinance as a “pernicious instrument” to harass the media and asked the Rajasthan government to “withdraw the harmful ordinance” that bars the media from reporting on accusations against public servants, judges and magistrates without its sanction.

“The ordinance promulgated by the State government last month was ostensibly done to protect the judiciary and the bureaucracy against false FIRs. But in reality it is a pernicious instrument to harass the media, hide wrongful acts by government servants and drastically curb the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution of India,” the Guild said in its statement.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

Amit Shah counters delimitation concerns, says southern states to gain Lok Sabha seats

Amit Shah assures Parliament that southern states will gain Lok Sabha seats after delimitation, countering opposition criticism during the women’s reservation debate.

Published

10 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

By

Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday addressed concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting in the Lok Sabha that southern states will not lose representation but instead see an increase in their number of seats.

His remarks came during a heated debate linked to the implementation of women’s reservation, where opposition parties have raised fears that population-based delimitation could reduce the political weight of southern states.

Shah rejected these claims, calling them misleading, and said the proposed framework ensures fairness while expanding the overall strength of the Lok Sabha.

Seat count to rise with expansion of Lok Sabha

The government has indicated that the total number of Lok Sabha seats could increase significantly as part of the delimitation process. In this expanded House, the combined representation of southern states is expected to rise from 129 seats at present to around 195 seats.

Shah emphasised that no state will lose seats in absolute terms, and the exercise is designed to reflect population changes while maintaining balance across regions.

State-wise projections shared in Parliament

During his address, Shah also provided indicative figures for individual southern states, suggesting notable increases in representation. According to the projections:

  • Tamil Nadu could see its seats rise substantially
  • Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are also expected to gain additional seats
  • Karnataka’s representation may increase as well

These figures were presented to counter the argument that delimitation would disproportionately favour northern states.

Political debate intensifies over linkage with women’s quota

The delimitation exercise has been closely linked to the rollout of women’s reservation, which proposes one-third seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

Opposition leaders have questioned this linkage, arguing that tying reservation to delimitation could delay its implementation and raise federal concerns. Some leaders have also warned that the move could impact national unity if apprehensions among states are not addressed.

The government, however, maintains that the reforms are necessary to ensure equitable representation and to align the electoral system with demographic realities.

Centre dismisses ‘false narrative’ on southern states

Shah reiterated that concerns about southern states losing influence are unfounded. He said the delimitation process will increase representation across regions and described the criticism as a “false narrative” aimed at creating confusion.

The issue is expected to remain a key flashpoint as Parliament continues discussions on the women’s reservation framework and related legislative changes.

Continue Reading

India News

PM Modi assures no discrimination in women’s quota, delimitation debate intensifies in Parliament

PM Narendra Modi has assured that women’s reservation will be implemented without discrimination, amid a heated debate over delimitation in Parliament.

Published

17 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

By

PM modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that there will be no discrimination in the implementation of women’s reservation, as Parliament witnessed a sharp debate over the proposed linkage between the quota and delimitation exercise.

During the ongoing special session, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair representation while addressing concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the timing and structure of the legislation.

The proposed framework aims to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. However, its implementation is tied to a fresh delimitation exercise, which is expected after the next census.

Opposition questions timing and intent

Opposition leaders have raised concerns that linking the women’s quota to delimitation could delay its implementation. They argue that the process of redrawing constituencies may push the actual rollout further into the future.

The issue has triggered a broader political confrontation, with multiple parties questioning whether the move could alter representation across states.

Some critics have also alleged that the delimitation exercise could disproportionately benefit certain regions based on population, a charge the government has rejected.

Government reiterates commitment to fair implementation

Responding to these concerns, the Centre has maintained that the reforms are necessary to ensure accurate and updated representation based on population data.

Leaders from the ruling side have repeatedly emphasized that the process will be carried out transparently and without bias. The assurance that there will be “no discrimination” is aimed at addressing fears among states and opposition parties.

The debate marks a key moment in Parliament, with both sides engaging in intense exchanges over one of the most significant electoral reforms in recent years.

Continue Reading

India News

Give all tickets to Muslim women, Amit Shah says, attacking Akhilesh Yadav on sub-quota demand

A sharp exchange between Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav in Parliament over sub-quota for Muslim women highlights key divisions on women’s reservation implementation.

Published

19 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

By

A heated exchange broke out in Parliament during discussions on the women’s reservation framework, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav locking horns over the demand for a sub-quota for Muslim women.

The debate unfolded as the government pushed forward key legislative measures to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Akhilesh Yadav argued that the proposed reservation must ensure representation for women from marginalised communities, including Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Muslim women. He said that without such provisions, large sections could remain excluded from political participation.

He also questioned the timing of the bill, alleging that the Centre was avoiding a caste census. According to him, a census would lead to renewed demands for caste-based reservations, which the government is reluctant to address.

Government rejects religion-based quota

Responding to the demand, Amit Shah made it clear that reservation based on religion is not permitted under the Constitution.

He stated that any proposal to provide quota to Muslims on religious grounds would be unconstitutional, firmly rejecting the idea of a separate sub-quota for Muslim women within the broader reservation framework.

The government has maintained that the existing framework already includes provisions for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) women within the overall reservation structure.

Wider political divide over implementation

The issue of sub-categorisation within the women’s quota has emerged as a major flashpoint, even as most opposition parties broadly support the idea of women’s reservation.

Samajwadi Party leaders reiterated that their support for the bill depends on inclusion of OBC and minority women, while the government continues to defend its constitutional position.

The debate is part of a broader discussion during the special Parliament session, where multiple bills linked to delimitation and implementation of the women’s quota are being taken up.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com