SC refuses to entertain PIL challenging govt policy on SEZs

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a PIL challenging the policy of the government to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The petitioner, Ashutosh Srivastava, appearing in person, pleaded before the Bench comprising Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice D K Jain, that the policy of the government to set up SEZs throughout the country will cause losses to the tune of Rs 1,75,000 crore and the economy of the country may collapse.

The court, however, asked the petioner how the apex court can interfere in policy matters. ''In individual cases, if you are personnaly affected then the court could interfere,'' it added.

The petioner also contended that the huge chunk of land belonging to farmers was being forcibly acquired by the government and if the policy was not put to an end, the country may face a 'Russia-like' situation.

The petioner withdrew his petition when he found that the court was not inclined to entertain it.

The court permitted him to withdraw his petition and dismissed it as ''withdrawn''.

UNI AKS SC SAM AT BST1748