The Congress on Saturday criticised the Rajasthan government for passing an ordinance that bars courts from taking up cases against public servants, including legislators, minister and officials, without its sanction. The ordinance also bans the media from naming the public servant till it allows the case to be investigated.

“I am absolutely shocked by how the state government is trying to institutionalise corruption,” Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot said, according to ANI. “The state government is trying to safeguard the interest of people through whom they carry out corruption scandals in Rajasthan.” Pilot further said the party would protest against the ordinance in the Rajasthan Assembly and on the streets.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday defended the Vasundhara Raje-led government’s decision to pass the ordinance, saying it is to avoid people from making false allegations against public servants.

“Even if it is a completely baseless allegation, the harm would have been done,” Kataria was quoted as saying by News18. “Therefore, we have put some restrictions but if the truth in the claims can be verified after a limited period of 180 days, which is stipulated in the Bill, action would be taken.”