The other day we saw the picture of an MP behind bars talking to a supplicant police outside. It was indeed a miracle to see the Hon'ble MP behind bars whatever the final outcome of his case. We hear that a good lot of our honourable legislators have either criminal record or have henious criminal cases going on in the courts. Many of the successful ticket aspirants of almost all political parties are not deterred by their ill repute in contesting elections and quite a lot of them elected too.
In US, there is a system of Testifying, where an individual, seeking office or before entering office after getting elected, are grilled live by a panel of eminent/common citizens. A ratification or confirmation is needed before they cross the final barrier to the office,
Why not we introduce this in India through amendments to relevant laws like Representation of People Act. Some of the purposes that can be served are:
a) a genuine filter to eliminate the chaff.
b) live telecast will also sober the panel from going on fishing expedition.
c) No institutional protection like the Speaker of an Assembly or Parliament who can at times save a member from embarassment.
d) No notice as to what will be ferreted out.
e) Panel members can be taken up if they come out with certain pre-known revelations (not touched during hearings) at a later date if the honeymoon/earlier nexus, if any, is over.
f) People having something to hide may not make the bid at all thus eliminating potential blackmail.
g) Elimination of selective trial by media at a later date.
h) Transparency.
This need not be restricted to prospective MPs, MLAs, Ministers, etc. but also cover such political/constitutional appointments like, Chairpersons of Boards, Members of Judiciary, Members of EC, UPSC, Public Undertakings, etc. many of whom have been found to be fit to be impeached or prosecuted.
Eminent public spirited intellectuals can come together and give a concrete shape to this idea and place a proposal before the Government.
Ponder
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