SC dismisses PIL for discussion on N-deal in Par

New Delhi, Oct 8: The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition seeking directions to the Government to place before Parliament the Indo-US nuclear deal for discussion, before going ahead with it.

A bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and V S Sirpurkar declined to entertain the PIL filed by one Mr MN Ramamurthi on the grounds that since the Indo-US Nuclear deal is a policy matter, the apex court cannot interfere in it. It is for the Government to decide whether to discuss the issue in Parliament.

The petitioner, however, insisted for direction to the Government contending that majority of the people of the country were opposed to the deal as the soveriegnty of the country was involved.

Therefore, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cannot take and execute a decision of vital importance without taking Parliament, which represents the will of the citizens, into confidence.

The petitioner, who appeared in person, wanted to know from the court the reason for not entertaining his petition. The court responded by saying that it was the discretion of the court and it was not bound to give a reason for not entertaining the petition.

The Indo-US Nuclear deal has been facing stiff opposition from the Left parties and the fate of the UPA Government at the Centre has become uncertain.

UNI