(1/13)
🧵 I spoke to The Indian Express on the dangerous implications of the new bills which allow removal of ministers, CMs and even the PM merely on arrest—not conviction. Sharing key concerns here:
🔗 indianexpress.com/article/politi…
🧵 I spoke to The Indian Express on the dangerous implications of the new bills which allow removal of ministers, CMs and even the PM merely on arrest—not conviction. Sharing key concerns here:
🔗 indianexpress.com/article/politi…
(2/13)
These bills are extraordinary. They empower the executive, through arbitrary arrests, to override the people’s mandate. Arrest is an executive act—uncertain, unilateral, & not judicial.
These bills are extraordinary. They empower the executive, through arbitrary arrests, to override the people’s mandate. Arrest is an executive act—uncertain, unilateral, & not judicial.
(3/13)
Our law is clear: only a conviction by a court can disqualify. Not arrest, not FIR, not chargesheet. This bedrock principle is now sought to be demolished.
Our law is clear: only a conviction by a court can disqualify. Not arrest, not FIR, not chargesheet. This bedrock principle is now sought to be demolished.
(4/13)
If these bills become law, a mere arrest—without trial, chargesheet or guilt—could destabilize elected governments. This weapon will inevitably be used selectively.
If these bills become law, a mere arrest—without trial, chargesheet or guilt—could destabilize elected governments. This weapon will inevitably be used selectively.
(5/13)
Does anyone seriously believe the agencies of a ruling dispensation will ever arrest its own PM? This is an insult to public intelligence. The target will always be the Opposition.
Does anyone seriously believe the agencies of a ruling dispensation will ever arrest its own PM? This is an insult to public intelligence. The target will always be the Opposition.
(6/13)
Imagine the absurdity: a police officer’s action, not a judge’s ruling, can alter the fate of governments. This is not law-making—it is democracy-dismantling.
Imagine the absurdity: a police officer’s action, not a judge’s ruling, can alter the fate of governments. This is not law-making—it is democracy-dismantling.
(7/13)
I said it bluntly: this is a “fantastic new technique” to topple Opposition governments while pretending to act fairly. A constable will now wield the power of the ballot.
I said it bluntly: this is a “fantastic new technique” to topple Opposition governments while pretending to act fairly. A constable will now wield the power of the ballot.
(8/13)
By equating arrest with guilt, the government weaponises state machinery. This erodes the presumption of innocence—the foundation of criminal justice.
By equating arrest with guilt, the government weaponises state machinery. This erodes the presumption of innocence—the foundation of criminal justice.
(9/13)
Arrest must never become punishment. That distinction—between accusation & conviction—is the difference between democracy and authoritarianism.
Arrest must never become punishment. That distinction—between accusation & conviction—is the difference between democracy and authoritarianism.
(10/13)
Through these bills, the ruling regime cloaks authoritarian intent under neutrality. But in practice, only one kind of disruption is possible—against Opposition governments.
Through these bills, the ruling regime cloaks authoritarian intent under neutrality. But in practice, only one kind of disruption is possible—against Opposition governments.
(11/13)
Such laws will lead to a constitutional crisis. They make the executive a judge, jury & executioner—bypassing courts & dismantling checks and balances.
Such laws will lead to a constitutional crisis. They make the executive a judge, jury & executioner—bypassing courts & dismantling checks and balances.
(12/13)
This is not reform. This is not accountability. This is the politicisation of arrest to subvert the people’s mandate.
This is not reform. This is not accountability. This is the politicisation of arrest to subvert the people’s mandate.
(13/13)
My warning is clear: empowering governance change through arrest, bypassing judicial findings, is a dagger at the heart of democracy.
My warning is clear: empowering governance change through arrest, bypassing judicial findings, is a dagger at the heart of democracy.
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