Should Modi sack ministers with criminal backgrounds?

Should Modi sack ministers with criminal backgrounds?

In the last month, the Supreme Court made an important decision and dismissed a petition as per which cabinet ministers with criminal cases cannot be sacked. However, the five judge constitution bench said that it leaves the final decision of keeping or sacking the tainted ministers to the Prime Minister. So, now the ball is in PM Narendra Modi’s court as he has highlighted the issue of corruption every time in his speeches. So, what should he do? Do you think Modi should sack ministers with criminal backgrounds?

Yes

• PM Modi’s three old month cabinet has more than 10 ministers who are facing criminal charges. Working with such a tainted cabinet is a shame for new government.

• PM Modi will lose the trust of voters if he doesn’t take any action. Supreme Court has handed over the responsibility to him and he should use it.

• The sacking of ministers will be a new start for the country as it will give clear message that it is the time to stop criminalization of politics.

• Tainted ministers who are facing criminal charges hampers the principles of constitutional morality and good governance, leading to severe harm to constitutional trust.

• No action on PM Modi’s part will encourage the ministers in his cabinet and of other parties to continue with their illegal and corrupt practices.

No

• The Central Government said that removal of ministers will be an act hampering the Constitutional prerogative of Parliament, and PM will not like to do that.

• PM Narendra Modi is an effective leader who has streamlined the process and structure in last three months. He will ensure that the past don’t repeats under his government.

• There are as many as 13 ministers in Modi’s cabinet facing some form of charges. Removing all of them can completely hamper the strength of ruling government.

• There should be new ministers who can take the place and it will need extra resources in terms of time, cost and efforts.

• More than 30% of MPs in the Lok Sabha are facing criminal cases, and without any final verdict all the ministers cannot be sacked. It can lead to political instability in nation.

Conclusion

Change never comes easy and it has to start some day. Now when the Supreme Court has given the power in hands of Prime Minister, he should consider it and make the right use of it. Keeping quiet on the matter is allowing the tainted politicians to continue with their corrupt practices. It is the high time when the government should tell the ministers that they cannot do whatever they want. They are in the cabinet for the good of people, not for becoming a potential harm for them. So, Mr. Modi should at least take some major decision in the matter.