A controversial statement by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is now making him face a legal challenge. He told the public forum that every MP and every MLA eats commission. This statement may sound attractive to some people, but in reality it is a direct attack on the credibility of the representatives elected by crores of people.
AAP leader Somnath Bharti’s tough stance
Making such allegations without any proof is not only unfair but also against the basic principles of democracy. Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Somnath Bharti has taken a strong stance on Manjhi’s statement and has sent him a legal notice. Bharti says that such statements do not expose corruption, but make it normal and acceptable. When all the MPs and MLAs are considered guilty, it becomes difficult for the general public to differentiate between right and wrong. This is dangerous for democracy and such language cannot be expected from a person holding a constitutional post.
It has been clarified in the legal notice that the allegations leveled against the entire class of MPs and MLAs come under the ambit of defamation. The law already stipulates that it is wrong to criminalize any identifiable group without investigation and proof. Freedom of expression does not mean that anyone can say anything and escape accountability. With freedom of speech comes responsibility.
Manjhi should apologize: Somnath Bharti
Somnath Bharti has asked Manjhi to publicly apologize within seven days, withdraw his statement and give a written assurance not to use such language in future. If this is not done, criminal and civil action will be taken against them, which will also include a demand for huge damages.
Aam Aadmi Party has also raised the question on this matter whether the BJP ministers now want to put the entire Parliament and Legislative Assemblies in the dock? Aren’t such statements a way to divert public attention from real issues like inflation, unemployment and so on? The party says that accountability is necessary in a democracy, but there can be no place for false and defamatory allegations.
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