Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Jairam Ramesh (Congress) said during the passage of the Finance Bill, the Opposition had pointed out that a number of amendments were being sought to be carried out to other Acts through the guise of a Money Bill.
"We were assured that the substance of the Acts was not going to be changed," he said.
However, Ramesh said, that on June 1, the Finance Ministry issued rules for the appointment of members, terms of office, removal of members, service conditions of a number of tribunals, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
"This backhanded way of amending important Acts is unacceptable. This is complete emasculation of all the procedures of Parliament," Ramesh said.
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He said the NGT has been completely emasculated through this backdoor way of amending Acts.
Echoing Ramesh views, his party colleague Anand Sharma said the matter is very fundamental to the very functioning of Parliament.
He charged that through the Finance Bill, so many Acts have been amended.
"The Representation of the People Act and the Finance Bill have no connection. This is how the Government is functioning," Sharma said.
He said the government brings everything as the Finance Bill to "evade and avoid" legislative scrutiny.
Congress leaders sought discussion on the matter.
Sharad Yadav of JD (U) said it was a serious matter and should be discussed in the House at the earliest.
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