Gandhinagar: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the ‘Legislative Drafting Training’ program at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly today. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Shankar Chaudhary, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
In his address, Amit Shah highlighted that “legislative drafting” is a crucial art for a constitutionally governed country like India, warning that this essential skill is gradually fading. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted, the government has marked a decade of achievements, positioning India as a center of global aspirations, with significant roots in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
“Legislative drafting is the essence of law, and its decline would not only harm democracy but also adversely affect millions of citizens,” he stated. He emphasized that if laws are drafted without a proper understanding of the legislative process, they are unlikely to fulfill their intended purposes. The Home Minister pointed out that the legislative department plays a vital role in converting cabinet notes into bills, leading to the formation of effective laws. He stressed that a scientifically developed process of legislative drafting is critical for the success of democracy.
Shah referenced the Indian Constitution as the ideal model for legislative drafting, stating, “There is no process bigger than the framing of the Indian Constitution.” He underscored the importance of clarity in legislative drafting, explaining that clearer objectives in law-making lead to fewer ambiguities and less need for judicial interventions. “Judicial interventions occur where there are gray areas lacking clear legal interpretations,” he explained, advocating for laws that minimize ambiguity.
Using Article 370 as an example, he discussed how it was clearly drafted, noting that the term “Temporary Provisions of the Constitution” indicates that it is not a permanent provision and can be revoked without a constitutional amendment. He explained that the removal of Article 370 requires only a simple majority in both houses of Parliament due to its provisional nature, highlighting the foresight of the drafting committee.
Amit Shah urged all legislators and Members of Parliament to maintain ongoing communication with the legislative drafting wing and engage in discussions. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi established a training school for legislative drafting in Parliament in 2019, reinforcing the need for lawmakers to be well-versed in legal nuances to effect significant change.
Citing historical examples, he noted the contributions of G.V. Mavalankar, who, despite being in opposition, proposed 16 well-considered reforms that were accepted by the ruling party. He emphasized that those involved in legislative drafting should possess philosophical insight, historical knowledge, and a strong understanding of linguistics to succeed in their roles.
The workshop aimed to equip legislators with the skills necessary to enhance the quality of legislative drafting in India, ensuring that laws effectively serve the needs of the populace while strengthening the democratic framework.