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New Delhi: The IT industry, led by its apex body, Nasscom, yesterday criticised the arrest of Avnish Bajaj, CEO of Baazee.com. "We are dismayed at what has happened. To make such an arrest is strange, and moves towards a draconian approach. We strongly disfavour it," the Nasscom president, Kiran Karnik, told reporters on the sidelines of TiEcon India 2004 being held in the capital. Nasscom has sought the immediate release of Bajaj even as the legal case proceeds. Asked whether the information technology (IT) act 2000 needed an amendment in the light of the debate generated after Bajaj's arrest following the multimedia messaging service (MMS) case, Karnik said, "If it is because of the wording in the IT Act that such a thing can happen, then we surely need to amend the Act.' He pointed out that the auction company and its CEO had fully co-operated with the authorities.
"We do not want to comment on the legal aspects of the Baazee.com case, which is a matter for lawyers and the legal system. However, we understand that the company and Bajaj have co-operated voluntarily and fully with the investigating authorities. All the evidence is on record and available. In such a situation, the arrest and detention of Bajaj is uncalled for and not expected in a mature democracy like ours," he said. As a global and responsible technology industry and the most attractive destination for service, India needed to ensure that it does not send out the wrong signals to global customers and investors. "While the law must take its own course without favour or fear, such a peremptory arrest in a case like this is not only an extreme and completely unnecessary step, it verges on draconian measures that do not fit into our self-image as a civilised, modern democracy," he said. On whether the Nasscom would take up the issue with the communications minister, Dayanidhi Maran, Karnik said, "We will do all that we can to first get him released. I am sure courts will do a fair trial."
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