Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized former finance minister and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram on Saturday, labeling Chidambaram’s comments on the new criminal laws as an “insult to Parliament’s wisdom.” In an interview, Chidambaram had remarked that the laws, effective from July 1, were drafted by “part-timers” and “non-professional people.”
Addressing the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, Dhankhar rebuked Chidambaram, without naming him directly, for not participating in the debate on the three bills that replaced colonial-era laws.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.
Dhankhar expressed pride in Parliament’s effort to unshackle from colonial legacy, calling the new laws of “epochal dimension.” He accused Chidambaram of failing in his constitutional duty by not debating the bills and criticized him for setting a negative narrative. “Inexcusable insult to the wisdom of Parliament,” Dhankhar said, urging Chidambaram to withdraw his “derogatory” remarks.
Dhankhar also emphasized the need for young minds to invest in research and development rather than focusing solely on competitive examinations. His comments follow recent controversies surrounding paper leaks and cancellations in exams like NEET.
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