Recently, a news channel broadcast a taped conversation allegedly between a jailed UP don and a minister of state in the Centre. The minister’s alleged voice begged the don for help to sort out a land dispute. An all-party meeting convened by the Lok Sabha Speaker requested the PM for a probe. A prompt investigation took place. According to the official probe report, the voice did not belong to the minister. If the probe vindicates the minister, he can go to court and take the channel to the cleaners. As a minister he had the obvious advantage of a prompt official probe. And that, even without a formal complaint to the police! Would ordinary citizens receive such attention?
The reaction of the members of Parliament to the broadcast was, to say the least, odd. The targeted minister vowed to abjure work till his name was cleared. Why? Should an unproved allegation suspend a minister’s functioning?
The whole House defended the minister. Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani said: "The government must examine the possibility of legislating an act in respect of sting operations."
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said: "Let the government conduct a probe within five days and if this is found false let there be some law to stop this kind of channel."
BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, facing the minister, said: "There is no need for a probe! I am giving you a certificate—you are innocent!" Alas, if only her former colleague Madan Lal Khurana who is making charges against her would also give her a certificate of innocence!
Not one MP suggested recourse to the law of defamation—perhaps because defamation cases drag on for years? So, why not a simple reform setting up fast-track courts which decide all defamation cases within two months? That should end unfounded allegations. But that would be using existing law. And apparently MPs believe their job lies only in making new laws, isn’t it? Such as about their salaries?
MPs claim they are underpaid and overworked. That’s why they can’t do justice to their work. But now they have increased salaries. It is reasonable to expect a more effective performance. In the coming days may we expect they will abuse each other more viciously?
(Puri can be reached at rajinderpuri2000@yahoo.com)
