Monday, December 27 2004 22:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: CPM (Communist Party of India) today (Dec 27, 2004) deplored the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government's decision to promulgate Ordinance to amend Patents Act, saying such a decision would not serve any purpose and a hasty decision should not have been taken as further scrutiny and discussion were needed in the country's interests.

"The Polit Bureau disapproves of the resort to Ordinance to pass such an important Legislation," the party said in a statement in New Delhi reacting to Government's decision.

"There are a whole range of issues connected with the TRIPS Agreement and safeguarding of national interests. The Bill, which has been passed as an Ordinance does not serve the purpose of scrutiny. Discussion are needed in the country's interests."

CPM said it had advised the Government against the "hasty" passage of the Bill as many measures needed to be taken to protect the interests of the country.