Mumbai: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued an advisory asking its members to not criticise the central government’s demonetisation drive. The chairman of the institute, however, claimed later that it was only meant to be a piece of advice and there had been no intention to curb someone’s freedom of expression.
The letter dated December 9 advises ICAI members to not indulge in any nefarious act with regard to the exchange of currency. The members have also been advised to not share or write any negative personal views on demonetisation, by way of an article or interview on any platform.
This advisory follows some complaints made to the institute about its members criticising the demonetisation drive.
The letter, uploaded on the institute’s website, is signed by ICAI president Devaraja Reddy. In it, he has said, “The move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a definitive boost to economic growth and dealt a lethal blow to the parallel economy that has cast its ugly shadow on the nation’s economy for long.”
Mr Reddy has further stated, “The members are also advised not to share/write any negative personal views by way of an article or interview on any platform regarding demonetisation.”
However, Mukesh Singh Kushwah, the chairman of the institute, defended his president, saying, “In India, there is democracy and no one can curb anyone’s freedom of expression. So it (the letter) is merely brotherly advice and not enforced upon anyone. It shouldn’t be looked at in any other way.”
The letter ended with a final word of advice, saying, “All members are once again advised to be more cautious and careful while advising their clients.”
