All consultative avenues were open with regard to the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the issue need not be politicised, Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told journalists here on Wednesday.
Mr. Singhvi, who had come to appear in the Madras High Court in connection with a case, said no new law was made — the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act had only been amended to give statutory powers to the NCTC.
“There is no intention to trench upon the States powers. These were recommended only to consolidate the fight against terror. All those parties which spoke up for national interest must support these measures. Let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Let us not try to politicise it,” he said.
On the controversy over the alleged move by the Centre to clip the Election Commission's powers with regard to the model code of conduct, Mr. Singhvi said it was a pre-emptive attempt to sensationalise a non-issue. “We have never intended or attempted directly or indirectly to bring the EC into disrepute.”
Mr. Singhvi, a senior advocate, said the Madras High Court's order on foreign law firms was a balanced and important judgment. It was important to note that all practice of Indian law, whether in courts or in chambers, should continue to be done by Indian registered lawyers.
The Division Bench had upheld the contention that as far as non-Indian practice was concerned, holding foreign clients coming into India and holding Indian clients going abroad for foreign law purposes did not require registration or regulation by the Bar Council or the Advocates Act. “I think that is extremely good for Indian lawyers.”
