Govt may approach SC over sealing again

NEW DELHI: As Delhi geared up for another round of traders shutdown, the Central Government on Thursday indicated that the Supreme Court may be approached again to seek stoppage of the controversial sealing of unauthorised commercial establishments in the capital.

"The Supreme Court is the only forum. There is no other forum," Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj said when asked whether the government was contemplating any steps to stop sealing and give relief to traders.

He did not elaborate but sources in the government said the Supreme Court may be approached soon in an effort to give relief to traders.

The Group of Ministers (GoM) is holding consultations on how to approach the Supreme Court, the sources said.

The sealing issue, which has put both the Centre and Delhi government in a difficult situation, came up at the Union Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who heads the GoM, briefed the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the latest with regard to the sealing issue.

Traders in Delhi have called for a shutdown on Friday to protest against resumption of sealing.