JAIPUR: Facing criticism, Rajasthan’s Anti-Corruption Bureau on Friday withdrew its order barring the release of photographs and names of accused involved in bribery cases. Following the instructions of the state government, ACB’s Additional DG Hemant Priyadarshi withdrew the order with immediate effect. An ACB official said, “The order has been withdrawn.” The bureau on Wednesday asked its officials not to reveal the names and photos of the accused and suspects in the bribery case until they are convicted by the court. Priyadarshi had reacted sharply by issuing orders soon after getting the additional charge of ACB chief. Earlier on Thursday, Priyadarshi said that according to the guidelines of the Supreme Court, the name and photo of the accused cannot be made public until proven guilty. “There is a legal backup behind the order,” he said.
The opposition BJP targeted the state government over the order and questioned its intention. BJP state president Satish Poonia tweeted a copy of the order and said the Congress “is with the corrupt and the corrupt are with the Congress”.
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Describing the order as a ‘Tughlaqi decree’, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore said that the freedom of the press is being violated by the order. He alleged that it was passed to give protection to the corrupt.