The toothless tiger

Mushfique Wadud finds out how the recent reform proposals for the ACC Act 2004 will render the institution powerless

photo by Al-Emrun Garjon

According to the law, permission must be granted by the government to prosecute judges and public servants,’ informs Mohiuddin. ‘Such a law is necessary to ensure that the government officials can work without fear. If there is no such law, the officials will not work properly because of fear,’ he adds.

Dr Shahdin Malik believes that section 197 of the criminal procedure protects government officers from charges of alleged criminal activities, committed in the course of official duty. For example, a police officer will be protected if in tackling mobs, he uses more force than necessary. ‘This protection does not cover corruption,’ says Shahdin.