Parties close ranks on apex court order barring criminals from polls

The Government’s attitude came under attack at an all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Kamal Nath on the ongoing Monsoon session.

Reminding the Government that it was primarily responsible for the smooth running of both the Houses, the Opposition parties wanted time to raise issues of public importance in Parliament.

The meeting saw parties closing ranks over the recent Supreme Court verdicts barring people with criminal background from contesting elections and banning reservation in super speciality medical colleges. The Government assured the parties that it would bring an amendment to the Representation of People’s Act, ensuring the right to appeal for convicted representatives.

The Government also showed willingness to approach the apex court for a review of the orders. The Congress and the BJP had earlier welcomed the orders.

To change the appointments of judges in higher courts, the Government sought the help of parties to pass the proposed Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which is to replace the existing collegium system of judicial appointments.

The parties asked the Government introduce the Bill and send it to the standing committee so that views of all stakeholders could be taken.

A Bill to ensure reservation in appointments at AIIMS-like medical colleges may also be introduced in this session. The Opposition leaders demanded that they should be allowed to raise Robert Vadra’s alleged land deals in Parliament.

“There is also consensus on the Bills on reservation in AIIMS. All parties demanded amendment in the Representation of the People’s Act. All political parties want the judicial commission Bill should be introduced in this session,” Nath said after the meeting.

>jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in

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