I am always proud of our vibrant, liberal and in more than one way, a unique constitution. Also, I always believed we can find solution to many the problems confronting the nation today by applying the constitutional provisions liberally and judicially. I also believe it is the fundamental duty of every citizen, be he an official or a common man, to protect the integrity and purity of our constitution. The responsibility should be more if one is a person in power. Sadly, I would like to draw your attention to two recent incidents which radically shook my belief in the effectiveness of constitutional provisions. I must admit it is not due to any inherent weakness of the constitution. It is being weakened by those very persons who are supposed to protect it.
The first incident is regarding the PAC report on the infamous 2G spectrum scam. I was taught that the institution of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) is one of the marvelous creations of our constitution to effectively check financial misappropriation by those who are in power. And my belief in that institution was always strengthened by its findings and adverse comments against those who are in power at times whenever a financial misappropriation was noticed. However, the CAG report would not have brought about any desired change in the system unless it is brought before the parliament. Parliament is the authority where the report is discussed and suitable corrective actions will be recommended. Unfortunately, the recent controversy over MM Joshi’s PAC report indicting many powerful personalities in the current regime for the 2G scam was scrupulously sidelined by MPs representing the ruling party and its allies. I am not looking into the merits and demerits of the report. And also, to be neutral, let me not get into the political angles of the report. However, we should see that if we have enough power to manipulate things and capacity to garner enough support, we can override even a PAC report. I am not sure if the report will be tabled in parliament. I await the decision of the Speaker. However, I want to highlight mere violation of one of the provisions of our constitution.
The other one comes from Kerala. During the recent assembly poll campaign, our defence minister canvassed for the Opposition UDF in Kerala. One of his statements seemingly violates the federal principles of our constitution. Though the word “federal’ is not specifically mention in the constitution, it envisages for a quasi-federal set up for India. During the campaign, Mr Antony urged the people to vote for the UDF government so that both the state and the Centre will have governments ruled by the Congress. His statement apparently suggests that the Centre will help the states only if they are ruled by the Congress. This is blatant violation of the federal spirit of our constitution. He should have understood that the states are not seeking arms when they seek central assistance for developmental projects in states.
Both these incidents have shaken my belief in the effectiveness in implementing the constitutional provisions in their true spirit. Sadly, it comes from those people who are supposed to protect it and lead the nation by example. It is time for us to think who failed us? Constitution failed us or we failed the constitution?
The first incident is regarding the PAC report on the infamous 2G spectrum scam. I was taught that the institution of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) is one of the marvelous creations of our constitution to effectively check financial misappropriation by those who are in power. And my belief in that institution was always strengthened by its findings and adverse comments against those who are in power at times whenever a financial misappropriation was noticed. However, the CAG report would not have brought about any desired change in the system unless it is brought before the parliament. Parliament is the authority where the report is discussed and suitable corrective actions will be recommended. Unfortunately, the recent controversy over MM Joshi’s PAC report indicting many powerful personalities in the current regime for the 2G scam was scrupulously sidelined by MPs representing the ruling party and its allies. I am not looking into the merits and demerits of the report. And also, to be neutral, let me not get into the political angles of the report. However, we should see that if we have enough power to manipulate things and capacity to garner enough support, we can override even a PAC report. I am not sure if the report will be tabled in parliament. I await the decision of the Speaker. However, I want to highlight mere violation of one of the provisions of our constitution.
The other one comes from Kerala. During the recent assembly poll campaign, our defence minister canvassed for the Opposition UDF in Kerala. One of his statements seemingly violates the federal principles of our constitution. Though the word “federal’ is not specifically mention in the constitution, it envisages for a quasi-federal set up for India. During the campaign, Mr Antony urged the people to vote for the UDF government so that both the state and the Centre will have governments ruled by the Congress. His statement apparently suggests that the Centre will help the states only if they are ruled by the Congress. This is blatant violation of the federal spirit of our constitution. He should have understood that the states are not seeking arms when they seek central assistance for developmental projects in states.
Both these incidents have shaken my belief in the effectiveness in implementing the constitutional provisions in their true spirit. Sadly, it comes from those people who are supposed to protect it and lead the nation by example. It is time for us to think who failed us? Constitution failed us or we failed the constitution?
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