Rajasthan ordinance protecting officials challenged in HC, Centre says law 'perfect and balanced'

The Rajasthan assembly was adjourned on Monday after the government tried to table the controversial Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) ordinance. 

The ordinance prevents police from investigating -- and the media from reporting -- wrongdoing by public officials without prior permission from the government. 

The Congress walked out of the assembly. 

The DNA reported that at least one BJP MLA -- Ghanshyam Tiwari -- also protested against the ordinance. 

The ordinance was also challenged in the Rajasthan high court, with a lawyer filing a PIL against it. 

The Hindustan Times however reported the Centre as defending the ordinance, saying it was “perfect and balanced”.

“Individual rights and media have been both taken care of. This law is very much needed in these times,” the Hindustan Times quoted junior law minister PP Chaudhury as telling ANI.

"The government is trying to cover up their own corruption," Congress leader Sachin Pilot said. 

He added that they would subit a memorandum to the President. 

The Hindustan Times reported Rameshwar Dudi, the leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan assembly, as saying the Congress opposed the "black law" and would force the government to take back the ordinance. 

The ordinance provides immunity to both serving and former judges, and public servants for 180 days or six months from the time an application is made to investigate him or her. 

After that, should there be no reply to the application, permission will be deemed to have been given.

The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 was promulgated on September 7.