'Derogatory, defamatory and highly insulting’: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on P Chidambaram’s remarks on new criminal laws
- In Reports
- 08:10 PM, Jul 06, 2024
- Myind Staff
On July 6th, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised former Finance Minister P Chidambaram for his remarks regarding the new criminal laws, which came into effect on July 1. Chidambaram had reportedly described these laws as drafted by "non-professional people" who were "part-time members of a committee."
In an interview with The Indian Express, Dhankhar condemned Chidambaram's comments, characterising them as an insult to the wisdom of Parliament. Dhankhar emphasised the significance of the laws and implied that such statements undermined the credibility and authority behind their drafting process.
During his address at the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised an unnamed individual, widely understood to be P Chidambaram, for failing to participate in the debate on the three Bills passed by Parliament in December 2023. Dhankhar's comments implied that this lack of participation was regrettable and indicated a missed opportunity for meaningful contribution to the legislative process.
In his remarks, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised P Chidambaram, without explicitly naming him, for his comments regarding the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. These new laws replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.
Dhankhar expressed his dismay over Chidambaram's statement, where Chidambaram had referred to the drafters of these laws as "part-timers." Dhankhar emphasised that every member of Parliament had the opportunity to contribute during the legislative process, and he viewed such comments as an insult to the wisdom and dedication of Parliamentarians. He defended the Parliament's decision to enact these laws, portraying it as a significant step towards breaking free from the colonial legacy and contributing to the nation's legal framework in a monumental manner.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar strongly criticised not only P Chidambaram but also other senior advocates who are members of Parliament for their failure to speak during the debate on the bills that led to the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Dhankhar pointed out that they had missed their constitutional duty and obligation to contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.
Dhankhar expressed deep shock and disappointment over these actions, particularly condemning those who criticise for the sake of criticism without acknowledging the progress and institutional advancements made by the nation. He cautioned against such narratives that aim to undermine national institutions and destabilise societal harmony. Dhankhar's remarks underscored his strong disapproval of what he viewed as a deliberate strategy to disparage the country and its achievements.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the issue concerning P Chidambaram's remarks, urging the MP to take responsibility and withdraw what he described as derogatory, defamatory, and highly insulting comments directed at MPs. Dhankhar made this appeal during his speech at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), emphasising the need for respectful discourse and accountability in parliamentary discussions.
Shifting focus to the audience at IIST, Dhankhar highlighted the importance of investing in research and development (R&D). He expressed concern that young minds often confine themselves within isolated spheres, particularly focusing solely on competitive examination results. Dhankhar encouraged students and faculty to broaden their horizons beyond these limitations, reminding them that opportunities abound outside these traditional pathways.
These remarks by Dhankhar come at a time when various competitive exams, including NEET, have faced challenges such as paper leaks and cancellations, underscoring the need for a broader perspective and resilience among aspiring students.
Image Source: Times of India
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