Govt not taken stand on SC verdicts on poll reforms: Sibal

Noting that the Supreme Court verdicts on electoral reforms will have "widespread ramifications" on country's politics, government today said it has not yet taken a stand on the issue and much will depend on views expressed by various political parties.
"These judgements are very important and will have a major impact on the politics of the country. We will hold consultations with different political parties to decide what further action is required to be taken," Law Minister Kapil Sibal said.
He, however, made it clear that the government has not taken any stand on the issue yet, though some political parties have contacted him and expressed their opposition to the Supreme Court judgement banning those in police or judicial custody from contesting elections.

It is learnt that Sibal had a discussion with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the judgements on immediately disqualifying convicted MPs/MLAs and banning those in lawful custody from contesting elections.
The issue would first be decided within the Congress party and later other parties will be taken on board for a consensus, sources said.
Meanwhile, the sources said the judgement suffered from "legal infirmities" and did not reflect the spirit of the Constitution.

"Constitution says the power to legislate is with Parliament, and courts can interpret them. Now a question has been raised on the powers, let it be decided," said an official.

Political parties may suggest moving a larger bench of the apex court or even taking a legislative route to overturn the judgement. "Curative petition could be another means," a source indicated.
The CPI(M) has already demanded that the government should seek a review of this judgement which was a clear case of "judicial overreach and will infringe upon the democratic rights of citizens".