In their second drafts too, the character of the Bills remains fundamentally anti-democratic. A few modifications proposed, however, are noteworthy.

The few substantive recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs do not hamper the core objective of the Bills and the impact they will have on democracy.

“Don’t give them space to breathe!” Twelve changes to criminal law in the three Bills introduced in parliament in August, 2023 will create a quantum leap in the power of the government, if and when it so wishes, to silence dissent and opposition and shut down public discourse, choking all channels that communicate conflicting news or views to the people.