Not in Public Interest

Context: Ordinances extending tenures of CBI, ED chiefs show a worrying trend.

Issues associated with ordinances

• Increasing level of political pollution in country: As promulgating ordinances for legislation becoming more common.
  • Without waiting for winter session government promulgated ordinance extending the tenure of ED and CBI chief.
  • Investigative agencies like the ED and CBI are often used by the government to accomplish its political goals.
• Misuse of constitutional provision in the name of  public interest: Like Article 123 
  • Promulgation of Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, and the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021.
• Violation of Supreme Court judgement: Supreme Court  bench ordered the government not to grant Mishra (current ED director ) any further extension and allowed extension in in rare and exceptional situations.
  • But, centre with ordinance can now give a one-year extension thrice after the completion of the initial two years.
• Ideological assault on democracy and its institutions like parliament to serve the interests of the ruling class.

Conclusion: In our country today, ordinances are no longer just ordinances. They are the forerunners of something harsher to come.

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