HC refuses permission to advocate discussion on USS Nimitz

Chennai, Jun 29 (UNI) The Madras High Court today refused permission to a city advocate to urgently discuss the entry of USS Nimitz, the controversial nuclear-powered warship, which is scheduled to dock at the Chennai port on July 1.

When advocate Vel Murugan moved the first Bench, seeking permission to take up the matter as a lunch motion, Chief Justice A P Shah, heading the first Bench, declined permission, saying the court could not interfere in the matter.

''It is a matter concerning two countries and the court could not interfere,'' he said and observed ''it is the height of abuse of Public Interest Litigation(PIL),'' virtually pulling up the advocate.

The advocate pointed out that on an earlier occasion when a ship laden with nuclear waste was to enter the country, the matter was brought before the High Court and the ship was denied entry.

The Chief Justice, however advised the advocate to file a petition in the normal way which could be heard next week. When contacted, the advocate said he would soon file a petition.

The carrier, along with the cruiser USS Princeton, is expected to be docked at the outer anchorage of Chennai port from July 1 to 5. Various political parties in the state, including the Left parties and the AIADMK and its ally, the MDMK, have opposed the entry of the ship and demanded that the Centre withdraw its permission.

UNI