So a lot has been written about the amendments to the Finance Bill 2017. A lot has been written about it because of the many amendments that were brought in the Bill that was quickly cleared through the Lok Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha never got to see it since it was categorised as a Money Bill and has since been protesting about some of the more controversial sections introduced including compulsory Aadhaar linking to PAN and unlimited donations to political parties from industrial houses.
So there’s this epic explainer on the Finance Bill written by Meghnad S for Newslaundry which explains what exactly is wrong with what the government did with the Finance Bill.
And now another Twitter user @Commoner4u has decided to get into why it is important to question the amendments that have been made in the Finance Bill and not just for this government.
The user points out that any political party in the future that comes to power at the Centre will have the same powers at its disposal and why that isn’t a comforting thought.
Check it out:
1/ Let me explain in language that everyone understands, as to what happens cause of Money Bill, even if you love Modi
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
2/ Scenario 1: Cong govt is in power. They are corrupt. You take them to court. But court is now under Govt. So court says “no offense”.
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
3/ Cong will never have any corruption charge against them ever (assuming they are corrupt)
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
4/ Scenario 2: You love this govt cause well it is supposed to be industry friendly. You earn lots and lots of money and you do that…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
5/ …legally and by paying taxes. But suddenly a tax official comes down & says he has reason to believe your grandfather evaded taxes &…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
6/ …attaches your property. You can’t even go take a legal recourse & sue him cause “reason to believe” is a good excuse now.
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
7/ Scenario 3: AAP is in power. You oppose AAP everyday. Assume AAP is vindictive & uses this power to attach your property, and puts the…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
8/ …IT behind you & does that. You can’t do a thing, cause the bill now allows it.
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
9/ Scenario 4: You have a business rival. They are corrupt to glory & want you out. They want to use the existing govt to go after you…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
10/ …but the existing govt (let’s assume its TMC) will not do so without money donated to party and in large amounts. Current…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
11/ …circumstances they would raise eyebrows cause it would be known. But now he can make this entire donation as an Anon, & voila get…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
12/ …his work done without anyone knowing that it was he who went after you.
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
13/ Scenario 5: Your grandfather fought for India’s independence. You are proud of that. Today a British Govt can fund our political…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
14/ …party & indirectly control our govt. We just handed over our country back to Brits.
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
15/ So while you might love Modi & of course he is great, be freaking scared cause the govt of today will not remain forever, but these…
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
16/ …laws will. Speak up. Don’t be quiet.
— A Commoner for u (@Commoner4u) March 25, 2017
