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Upholding Democratic Values: Supreme Court Advocates Unhindered Freedom for Legislators in Parliamentary Proceedings

Servesh Kashyap

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In a landmark decision on March 4, the Supreme Court emphasized the crucial need to safeguard the freedom of elected legislators in Parliament and State legislatures. The Court asserted that the essence of a deliberative democracy in a parliamentary system lies in allowing MPs and MLAs to express their views without fear of harassment, thus preserving the representative character of legislative bodies.

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, speaking on behalf of a seven-judge Bench, highlighted the significance of the freedom of elected legislators to engage in discussions and debates on pressing issues within the parliamentary forum. The judgment stressed that legislators must be able to carry out their duties without being overawed by coercion or fear, as this freedom of speech and expression is constitutionally secured for them as citizens.

The ruling overturned a 1998 judgment in the JMM bribery case, which had previously granted legislators immunity from prosecution if they accepted bribes. The new judgment clarified that parliamentary privilege and immunity would only come into play if legislators faced prosecution for their official actions or speeches aimed at enhancing the dignity and authority of the legislature.

While acknowledging the historical context of parliamentary privileges in India, the Court emphasized that these privileges were never intended as blanket immunity from criminal law. The demand for parliamentary privileges was always tied to the functions legislators sought to discharge, rather than as a shield against criminal accountability.

The Chief Justice elucidated that parliamentary privilege and immunity become operative only to the extent that they aid the functioning of the House, ensuring it can collectively carry out its duties. Freedom of speech in Parliament and its committees was deemed a “necessary privilege,” essential for the effective functioning of a democratic legislative institution.

The judgment underscored that the freedom of speech in parliamentary proceedings is not only vital for individual legislators but is also at the core of the democratic legislative process. Members of Parliament and Legislatures serve as representatives of the people, and their ability to voice the will and aspirations of their constituents is intrinsic to the democratic ethos.

Furthermore, the Court extended the protection of freedom of speech to the act of voting by a member of Parliament, emphasizing that casting a vote is an extension of their expression. Therefore, the freedom of a legislator to cast a vote is inherently protected by the broader freedom of speech within the parliamentary setting.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands as a staunch defense of democratic values, ensuring that elected legislators can participate in parliamentary proceedings without the looming threat of harassment. By upholding the constitutional rights of MPs and MLAs, the Court reinforces the fundamental principles of a deliberative democracy and the representative character of legislative bodies.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: BJP’s Anti-Corruption Drive in Full Swing

Servesh Kashyap

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Under the watchful eye of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, found himself in cuffs on March 21, embroiled in the liquor policy scandal. Despite his plea for protection from arrest, the Delhi High Court’s refusal marked a significant development in the ongoing fight against corruption. This arrest underscores the stark reality that no one, regardless of their political stature, is above the law.

Kejriwal’s repeated evasion of the ED’s summons raises questions about his integrity and commitment to transparency. As a public figure entrusted with governance, his reluctance to cooperate casts a shadow over his claims of innocence. Instead of leading by example, Kejriwal’s actions have tarnished the image of political morality, setting a regrettable precedent for the nation’s capital.

The irony is palpable as Kejriwal, once a vocal critic of the Congress party’s alleged corruption, now finds himself in an alliance with them. This unexpected partnership raises eyebrows and fuels suspicions about underlying agendas in the political landscape.

The saga of corruption surrounding Kejriwal and his associates extends beyond the liquor scandal. Former cabinet members and party affiliates, including Satyendra Jain, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, have faced incarceration on charges of corruption and money laundering. Despite cries of political vendetta, their repeated denial of bail underscores the gravity of the accusations against them.

The modus operandi of the ED and other investigative agencies signals a paradigm shift in combating corruption under the BJP government. With a resolute stance against malpractice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has empowered these agencies to pursue justice without bias or impediment. This proactive approach marks a departure from the previous era of political protectionism, where corruption thrived unchecked across party lines.

Kejriwal’s downfall signifies more than just the unraveling of a political facade; it symbolizes the disillusionment of a nation that once hailed him as a champion of anti-corruption. His journey from grassroots activism to governmental leadership has been marred by allegations of impropriety, revealing a stark betrayal of public trust.

The liquor scandal serves as a mere glimpse into a broader pattern of corruption that pervades Kejriwal’s administration. From lavish expenditures at the Chief Minister’s residence to systemic irregularities in departments like the Delhi Jal Board and Education, the rot runs deep. Each revelation further erodes the faith of Delhiites in their elected officials and underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform.

As Kejriwal’s political demise unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring leaders and a rallying cry for those committed to upholding the principles of integrity and transparency. In the fight against corruption, no stone should be left unturned, and no individual should be shielded from scrutiny, regardless of their position of power.

In the end, Kejriwal’s arrest serves as a sobering reminder that in the pursuit of justice, no one is immune, and the wheels of accountability will continue to turn, irrespective of political affiliations or personal agendas.

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Go, Win. Will See You Soon”: PM To Ministers Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls

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In a stirring address brimming with confidence and determination, the Prime Minister of India rallied his ministers with a resounding message of empowerment and purpose ahead of the imminent Lok Sabha polls. With the political landscape poised for fervent campaigning and electoral battles, the Prime Minister’s words reverberated with a call to action and a promise of collective victory.

Addressing his cabinet members, the Prime Minister echoed a sentiment of unwavering resolve, encapsulated in the succinct yet powerful directive: “Go, Win. Will see you soon.” These words encapsulate not just a command but a rallying cry for the ministers to embark on their electoral campaigns with zeal, conviction, and a commitment to securing triumph for their respective constituencies.

Embedded within this rallying call is a profound sense of trust and empowerment, as the Prime Minister entrusts his ministers with the responsibility of representing the aspirations and interests of the electorate. It underscores a leadership style that values initiative, courage, and accountability, encouraging each minister to lead with confidence and conviction as they navigate the complex terrain of electoral politics.

Beyond mere rhetoric, the Prime Minister’s message serves as a strategic maneuver in the broader political landscape, signaling a unified front and a formidable resolve within the ruling party as they gear up for the electoral fray. It instills a sense of unity and purpose among party members, fostering cohesion and synergy in their collective endeavor to secure victory in the upcoming polls.

Moreover, the Prime Minister’s words carry a deeper significance, transcending the immediate context of electoral politics to embody a broader ethos of leadership and governance. By exhorting his ministers to “Go, Win,” he underscores the imperative of proactive engagement and decisive action in the pursuit of national progress and development.

At its core, the Prime Minister’s message reflects a profound understanding of the symbiotic relationship between leadership and grassroots democracy, wherein the success of individual ministers is intricately linked to the collective aspirations of the electorate. It underscores the importance of humility, empathy, and a genuine commitment to public service as guiding principles in the exercise of political power.

As ministers heed the Prime Minister’s call and embark on their electoral campaigns with renewed vigor and purpose, they carry with them not just the mandate of their party but the hopes and dreams of millions of citizens across the country. In their endeavors to secure victory in the Lok Sabha polls, they are not just political representatives but torchbearers of India’s democratic spirit and ethos.

In the days and weeks to come, as the electoral drama unfolds and the fate of constituencies hangs in the balance, the Prime Minister’s words will serve as a beacon of inspiration and motivation for his ministers. For in the pursuit of victory lies not just the fulfillment of political ambitions but the realization of a collective vision for a stronger, more prosperous India.

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Transformative Development Unveiled: PM Modi Launches Rs 6,800 Crore worth Projects in Telangana

Servesh Kashyap

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In a monumental move towards bolstering infrastructure and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kickstart a slew of development projects in Telangana today, amounting to a staggering Rs 6,800 crore. The much-anticipated event will witness the inauguration and foundation laying of initiatives spanning road, rail, petroleum, and natural gas sectors.

Scheduled to address a rally at Sangareddy, just 60 km from the capital, Modi’s visit aims to usher in a new era of growth and progress for the region. Among the noteworthy projects, the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) center in Hyderabad will be inaugurated, a state-of-the-art facility at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, dedicated to advancing research and development activities in the civil aviation sector. This Rs 350 crore facility is compliant with 5-STAR-GRIHA Rating and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) norms, underlining its commitment to sustainability.

The Prime Minister is also set to unveil three crucial National Highway projects and lay the foundation stone for the six-laning of the 29 km Pune-Hyderabad Section of NH-65. This strategic move is poised to enhance connectivity to major industrial hubs in Telangana, particularly benefiting the Pashamylaram industrial area near Patancheru.

Rail infrastructure will witness a significant boost with the inauguration of the doubling and electrification of the Sanathnagar-Moula Ali rail line. Additionally, six new station buildings will be unveiled during the program, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing and expanding rail networks. The much-anticipated inauguration of the Multi-Modal Transport Service (MMTS) Train Service from Ghatkesar-Lingampalli via Moula Ali-Sanathnagar will extend the popular suburban train service into new areas, marking a milestone in regional transportation.

Further contributing to the region’s economic development, PM Modi will inaugurate the Indian Oil Paradip-Hyderabad Product Pipeline. Spanning a colossal 1,212 km and boasting a capacity of 4.5 MMTPA, this pipeline will traverse through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Designed to ensure safe and economical transportation of petroleum products from Paradip Refinery to delivery stations at strategic locations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this pipeline is set to play a pivotal role in the region’s energy infrastructure.

Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy shared insights into Modi’s itinerary, highlighting the Prime Minister’s visit to the revered Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, where he will offer prayers, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of the visit.

As Telangana braces itself for the unveiling of these transformative projects, the region can anticipate a surge in economic activities, improved connectivity, and a heightened quality of life for its residents. PM Modi’s visionary initiatives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to propelling India into a future defined by sustainable growth and prosperity.

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