The central government on Tuesday allayed apprehensions of political parties and state governments that it would invoke article 355 and 356 of the Constitution indiscriminately taking shelter under the provisions of the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) law, which it proposed to enact.
Communal violence bill to be more stringent
"We will act carefully in ensuring that the federal structure of the country is not disturbed," Home Minister Shivraj Patil assured the delegates at the one-day Southern Regional conference organised in Bangalore to elicit views from state governments, officials and intellectuals on the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill 2005.
Article 355 empowers the centre to interfere in state affairs when incidents that threaten internal security occur while Art icle 356 relates to imposition of President's rule.
Differences surface on communal violence bill
"There is nothing in this bill that will allow the centre to send its forces against the wishes of the states or without their request," he said, when apprehensions were raised that by sending forces the Centre was encroaching upon the state's authority to maintain law and order.
Referring to a clause in the Bill that provides for punishment to officials who failed to investigate incidents of communal violence properly and for dereliction of duty, he said it was not aimed at 'demoralising' the police force.
On issues raised by delegates over the role of the media, he said, "The fourth estate should also understand its responsibility and maintain restraint."
The Bill, welcomed by all political parties, has now been referred to a standing committee of Parliament, the minister said, assuring the states that the government will 'modify' the Bill if necessary by incorporating suggestions.
Delegates from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Pondicherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands expressed their views on the bill.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have said that there should be no delay in finalising the draft bill so that a law could be enacted quickly to check communal violence and protect those affected by it. Similar consultative meetings will be held in Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata and Chandigarh.
The Bill's novel feature is that it lays emphasis on providing compensation to victims' families immediately. It also provides for stringent punishment to politicians involved in communal violence who will be barred from holding any post, Patil said.
At the conference, opinion remained divided over the Bill with some, including Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leader in the Karnataka assembly B S Yediyurappa saying that there was no need for a new legislation to check communal violence as existing laws were adequate, and few others welcoming the initiative. However, Patil described the outcome of the maiden conference as 'very useful and beneficial.'
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