Pune l
At the anniversary event of Pune Patrakar Katta held at the historic Ranade Institute, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan delivered a pointed and passionate address questioning the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire, warning of the erosion of democratic institutions and raising red flags over media freedom in the country.
‘Ceasefire After Operation Sindoor: Has India Violated Simla Pact?’
Chavan directly questioned the legality and intent behind the sudden ceasefire announced following Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling.
“Has the government quietly discarded the Simla Agreement of 1972, which explicitly rejects third-party mediation between India and Pakistan?” Chavan asked.
He was referring to reports that the United States was mediating in the ceasefire, a move that goes against the Simla Accord’s Clause (ii), which states that all disputes must be resolved bilaterally without third-party intervention.
“If the ceasefire happened under American mediation, the government must clarify whether the Simla Pact has been suspended or altered. The people deserve answers,” he demanded.
Anti-Defection Law Under Fire
Chavan delivered a scathing critique of the anti-defection law, calling for its repeal:
“The principle of separation of powers has collapsed due to this law. The dominance of family-run political parties in Maharashtra is partly due to its misuse.”
He noted that while Rajiv Gandhi brought the law with good intent, amendments during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure diluted its power and allowed for manipulation.
“It’s time to scrap the anti-defection law. It is now being grossly misused to undermine democracy,” he said.
Broadcasting Bill & Threat to Digital Expression
Chavan joined the growing voices of concern against the proposed Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill. He said the bill threatens to:
- Overregulate digital content creators
- Suppress dissent and critical journalism
- Grant unchecked powers to the government to decide “appropriate” content
“The bill could be used to silence those who hold power accountable. That is dangerous for any democracy.”
About the Simla Agreement
Signed in 1972 post the India-Pakistan war, the Simla Pact explicitly states:
- Disputes shall be resolved bilaterally
- No third-party mediation is allowed
- Both sides must respect sovereignty, avoid force, and work for a durable peace
(source- Ministry of External Affairs)
The sudden ceasefire under apparent foreign mediation, Chavan said, raises the question of whether India has silently abandoned this foundational treaty.
🔍 Key Concerns Raised by Chavan:
- Simla Agreement in Question: Chavan asked whether India has backtracked on its commitment to resolve Indo-Pak disputes bilaterally.
- Democracy Under Pressure: He said, “There is an attempt to kill rational inquiry,” warning that voices of dissent are being systematically choked.
- Democracy’s Soul is Lost: “What remains is a skeleton of democracy, its soul is missing,” he lamented.
- Attack on Institutions: He held the anti-defection law and judicial delays equally responsible for undermining democratic principles.
- Media Freedom at Risk: With the proposed Broadcasting Bill looming, Chavan said, “If this bill passes, the voice of the media will be throttled. Media must stand firm now.”
