SC refers PIL seeking no appointment of tainted ministers

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) The Supreme Court today referred to a Constitution Bench a PIL seeking directions from the court not to appoint persons with criminal background as ministers at the Centre as well as in the states.

A Bench, comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishan and Justice R V Raveendran, referred the PIL filed by Manoj Narula challenging the appointement of tainted ministers in the Union cabinet as well as in the state cabinet.

The court also directed those states who have not filed their responses to file the same within four weeks.

The petitioner had contended that persons with dubious track record were being frequently inducted in the council of ministers which was leading to criminalisation of politics as well as council of ministers.

The petitioner had prayed the court to ask the Centre, states and Union Territories to take a clear stand on the issue.

UNI