SC order on 9th schedule should apply to future laws: Dasmunsi

Ahmedabad, Jan 16 (UNI) Parliament should see to it that the laws framed by it in future did not violate the basic structure of the Constitution, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi today said, referring to the recent Supreme Court order permitting review of laws under the ninth Schedule.

Apprehending that reviewing laws already framed could put things in ''reverse gear'' Mr Dasmunsi said the Supreme Court's observation in the matter should be a reference point and guide for lawmakers in the future.

He said Parliament represented the ''voice of the people,'' and laws framed by it reflected what the people wanted. ''But the supreme court can always see to it that these laws did not go against the Constitution's structure,'' he told reporters here.

Mr Dasmunsi, who is also the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said the issue would be raised and discussed in the Budget session of the parliament.

Asked about the laws that were against the Constitution's basic structure like the reservation policy, he said he will go to the people and seek their opinion.

Mr Dasmunsi had been to Devgarh Baria where the Congress is holding a four-day 'Jan Mitra' shibir, to spread awareness about the Centre's schemes for the tribals and the forest dwellers.

He alleged that the Gujarat government had been slow in the implementation of the three fully-aided Central schemes, like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Schemes. ''I was disappointed with the way things were in the state,'' he said.

UNI