The Congress lead UPA government working at the centre can be termed as a unique record holder government though the record doesn’t have any positive aspect but is a negative record. UPA government has been facing criticism by the courts from time to time and even after silently listening to the criticisms and remarks, has not come into action nor has it tried to correct the mistakes on whose basis the courts are making the government the target of criticisms. The most recent example being the ruling by Supreme Court quashing the appointment of P.J. Thomas as head of the Central Vigilance Commission, even as the government made all possible efforts to defend the appointment. It tried to defend the appointment till the last-minute though there were many clear evidences of violation of regulations.
Inspite of the fact that the matter was brought to the government by the opposition over and over again and the appointment was opposed by Sushma Swaraj one of the members of the 3 member committee and the leader of the opposition, two representatives belonging to the government made sure that the appointment was done. These representatives are none other than Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home minister P Chidambaram.
Committing mistakes being on such a high post and being insistent on the mistake can be termed as a unique style of the UPA government. As far as the Prime minister is concerned he has the record of being tightlipped. He doesn’t break his silence even on very serious and important burning issues while his other cabinet ministers and friends clear his and government’s stand on his behalf.
Though there is a famous proverb “silence is golden’’ and perhaps Mr. Manmohan Singh practices it but it may not fit in the matter of public affairs, issues and public works and more often than not this silence can be disliked.
Courts have rebuked the government in many cases. The court practically reprimanded the government on Thursday by nullifying the appointment of Chief Vigilance Commissioner. The court has also criticized the Government for not acting against the black money hoarders and questioned the government why it has kept silent and has not acted against black money hoarders.
The government also faced criticism in 2G spectrum case. The action taken against former minister Telecom A Raja is nothing short of reprimand as the government had tried to protect him till the last minute. The present Telecom minister Kapil Sibal had to face the wrath of the government in the same spectrum scam, because Mr. Sibbal tried to make it clear that the spectrum scam did not affect government treasury. The court had expressed its resentment for this remark.
The courts have allegedly made remarks against government more than once for not acting against black money hoarders. Solicitor General on Thursday, listening to the case, questioned the government ‘what is happening in this country’? The court questioned as to why the government has held soft attitude towards black money hoarders and what is stopping it from carrying out the interrogation while keeping them in custody.
UPA government has set a unique record in the matter of questions and remarks made by the courts. The government needs to satisfy first the court and then the people of the country regarding this. Remaining tightlipped and mere dilly dallying over the matter will not serve the purpose. The government has to clear its stand anyway.
As far as the question of cases is concerned the government needs to take measures as per law with utmost sincerity and correct the mistakes and carelessness made in this connection so far and try to satisfy the court. The government’s affair is not just individual’s or institution’s concern but this is the central government’s issue. If the court is not content with the government how can such a government satisfy its citizens?
The silence in this regard will not improve the situation rather it will make the matters worse.