Ex-CJI against bringing PM, judiciary under Lokpal
- 5 years ago
NEW DELHI: Terming inclusion of the Prime Minister's Office and higher judiciary within the ambit of the Lokpal as a "mistake", former Chief Justice of India JS Verma said the move would play "foul with the basic structure of the Constitution".
He also termed as "undemocratic" Gandhian Anna Hazare's threat to again go on a hunger strike on August 16 if the government did not meet civil society's demand of bringing a strong Lokpal bill.
"Absolutely not... It would be a mistake. It will foul with the basic structure of the Constitution. Judicial review is a basic feature (of the Constitution)... for which an independent judiciary is essential," Verma said when asked whether the higher judiciary should be brought under the ambit of Lokpal.
TOI
He also termed as "undemocratic" Gandhian Anna Hazare's threat to again go on a hunger strike on August 16 if the government did not meet civil society's demand of bringing a strong Lokpal bill.
"Absolutely not... It would be a mistake. It will foul with the basic structure of the Constitution. Judicial review is a basic feature (of the Constitution)... for which an independent judiciary is essential," Verma said when asked whether the higher judiciary should be brought under the ambit of Lokpal.
TOI