SC dismisses govt review petition on convicted politicians
New Delhi: In a major blow to politicians and the Parliament, the Supreme Court today refused to review a judgement that banned convicted law makers from sitting in Parliament.
In a related matter on whether a person who has been jailed should be barred against standing for election, the Supreme Court issued notice. This is a controversial clause which could be misused by political parties against rivals because even one day behind bar without being convicted could bar him or her against contesting.
While the first review petition was from the government’s side, the second was from a private petitioner.
It may be recalled that an all-party meeting earlier had voiced concern over 'erosion of supremacy' of Parliament with demands being made for a change in the mechanism of higher judiciary appointments and a response to the recent Supreme Court judgements on disqualification of legislators and barring those behind bars from contesting elections.
The meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath on the eve of Monsoon Session saw leaders of all parties being critical of the Supreme Court judgements.
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