To
Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
President of India.
Dear Sir,
There are reports that the Government has decided to promulgate an
ordinance to amend the RTI Act. The ostensible purpose is to counter the
decision of the CIC declaring six political parties as Public authorities which
are subject to the Right to Information Act. Representatives of all political
parties have stated that they believe the CIC decision is unsound legally and
hence they are opposing it. If they are being truthful, they can certainly go
in a writ to the Courts. Hundreds of CIC decisions have been quashed by the
Courts.
I am sure you realise that an ordinance should only be promulgated when there
is a great urgency. Article 123 of the Constitution states (1) If at any time,
except when both Houses of Parliament are in session, the President is
satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take
immediate action, he may promulgate such Ordinance as the circumstances appear
to him to require.
In the instant case citizens cannot see any reason which justifies an
ordinance. Curtailing citizen's fundamental right and issuing an ordinance to
frustrate a statutory order are morally and legally repugnant. Frustrating an
existing law arbitrarily, will not promote the rule of law. I plead with you to
consider whether it would be right to curb citizen's fundamental rights by
ordinance when there appears to be no need for immediate action.
If you do issue the said ordinance, i am hoping you will share the reasons for
the immediate action with citizens.
Sincerely for India,
Wendell Rodricks
Sent from my iPad
Wendell Rodricks, Campal, Panjim. GOA 403001. INDIA
Off tel: +91-832-2420604, Shop tel: +91-832-2238177
Off email: [email protected]
