Somnath says SC verdict on voters 'unworkable'

Image
Press Trust of India Kolkata
Last Updated : Sep 27 2013 | 6:21 PM IST
The Supreme Court's landmark judgement today allowing voters to reject all candidates in elections was termed as 'unworkable' by former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, while a senior Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy welcomed it.
"I think it is unworkable. What will happen if voters even in 20 constituencies cast negative votes rejecting all candidates in the fray? How will Parliament be constituted and and how a government will be formed?" he wondered.
"I don't think the Supreme Court has any authority to make laws. The Supreme Court has given the verdict and it is entitled to be respected, but as a citizen I don't think it is necessary," former Lok Sabha Sabha Speaker told reporters here.
To a question, he said, "Why the Supreme Court has given the verdict, it knows. As an ordinary citizen I do not find any reason. Let the Supreme Court first say why it has given the verdict first rather than asking me why I should say no to it."
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress MP and former Union minister of state for urban development Saugata Roy applauded the judgement.
"I welcome the Supreme Court verdict which, if implemented, will make the politics more transparent and strengthen democracy," he said.
He said in a democracy people should have the right to vote for a candidate or not to vote at all.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 27 2013 | 6:21 PM IST

Next Story