Haryana Panchayati Raj Act: Left bodies mull review petition on SC order

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, December 10

The All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and the CPM have expressed disapproval of the Supreme Court decision upholding the amendment to the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act imposing the minimum educational criteria.

Reacting sharply to the decision delivered today, the AIDWA has stated that this would have long-term implications for the fundamental rights of all socially and economically marginalised sections of society, including women and Dalits.

“It is depressing to note that the judgment has been announced on Human Rights Day,” said AIDWA general secretary Jagmati Sangwan in a statement issued here today.

“Legal experts are examining the order to file a review petition. The AIDWA has reiterated its stiff opposition to the retrograde amendments and resolved to intensify its campaign for mobilisation of more and more people who were expecting justice from the apex court,” she maintained. Meanwhile, the state secretary of the CPM has also strongly reacted to the SC decision.

State CPM secretary Surender Singh has maintained that these conditions went against the fundamental principles of the Constitution. The party said legal options were still available on the issue. “The legal options would be finalised after going through the SC decision,” the party maintained.

TheCPM has also condemned Haryana Minister Om Parkash Dhankar’s statement, reportedly terming the SC decision as “defeat of criminalisation”.