Raje government buries 'gag' law

Jaipur, Feb 19 (AZINS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Monday told the assembly that the government was not proceeding with much-criticised "Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2017" which was termed a "black law" and a "gag" order.

The bill was tabled in last Assembly session in October to replace an ordinance promulgated on September 7. Under it, a prior sanction from an authority was required before making an investigation into an offence committed by a public officia. As the government faced widespread criticism, the bill was referred to a select committee of the house.

"We have allowed the ordinance to lapse. As the act didn't come into force, therefore any talk of a 'black law' is misplaced," he said, adding that the government is withdrawing it.

The decision has been welcomed by all sectors of the society. Congress' state unit President Sachin Pilot, who had challenged the measure in the high court, welcomed the announcement.

Akhil Rajasthan Rajya Karamachari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti co-convener Gajendra Singh Rathore also welcomed the development, terming it a victory of people, democracy and media.