BJP expresses concern over SC judgement on banned groups

New Delhi, Feb 8 (PTI) BJP today expressed concernover the Supreme Court judgement that mere membership of abanned outfit is not a crime and insisted that this could haveserious implications for the country''s sovereignty.

"This Supreme Court judgement has very seriousimplications for India''s sovereignty. This judgement, ifallowed to stand, will remove the entire pressure which hasbeen built on insurgent banned groups," senior BJP leader ArunJaitley told reporters.

Supreme Court had ruled recently that mere membershipof a banned outfit should not lead to the person being treatedas a criminal till he indulges in any illegal activity.

Jaitley said one implication of this verdict would bethat in case of each arrest specific acts would have to beproved. It would also have an impact on banned groups whichhave joined the negotiating table.

"Government has rightly said it will seek a review ofthe judgement," he said, adding that in case it was notreviewed the government should consider bringing aclarificatory legislation on the issue.

"The clarificatory legislation (if required) shouldspecifically say that membership of a banned group is anoffence," Jaitley said.