The Hindu : Amending POTA

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 23, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Amending POTA

Sir, — The ordinance to amend POTA says if there are conflicting decisions by the Central and the State review committees on the same complaints, the former's decision will prevail (Oct. 22). The ordinance itself is a sequel to numerous complaints of POTA being "misused" by States, in which case a review committee at the State level becomes superfluous. There should be only a Central review committee and its clearance should be made mandatory before arresting a person under POTA.

V.N. Gopal,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The Union Cabinet's decision to promulgate the ordinance is a retrograde step. POTA was enacted to tackle terrorism. When terrorist activities are increasing by the day, watering down the Act by conferring decision-making powers on the review committees is not advisable. Is it not true that any existing criminal law can be misused? The Centre seems to have buckled under pressure from NDA partners.

R. Thiruvengadam,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The amendment is welcome. But there is no mention of a time limit for the review committees to dispose of complaints. Inordinate delay will make the accused languish in jails for months. The constitution of these committees should be representative.

S. Sellappa,
Pondicherry

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion