Controversial police amendment to be withdrawn, decision taken at cabinet meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will issue a new ordinance to withdraw the police amendment. The decision was taken at the cabinet meet convened here Tuesday. The decision will be informed to the governor. The new amendment will be after a detailed discussion.

The order revoking the amendment will be issued soon. The cabinet usually meets on Wednesdays. However, taking into account chief secretary’s inconvenience to attend the cabinet meet, it was convened today and decided to withdraw the controversial amendment.

Revoking an ordinance issued by the government within 48 hours is a rare event in the history of the state. The amendment to Police Act, which contradicts the declared stand of the CPM and the Left, was withdrawn within 48 hours after it was criticized nationally.

The question arose as to whether the government implemented this law popularly known as the Black Act without discussing with either the party or the Front. Many including politburo member M A Baby had opposed the act.