Grant SC/ST quotas in judiciary: Buta

PHAGWARA (Punjab): National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman Buta Singh on Sunday demanded SC/ST quotas in the judiciary and said the issue of dilution of its powers would be raised in Parliament to prevent judges from 'meddling' with its functioning.
    
"First, the Commission was not constituted on time and when it was done seven months back, the Delhi High Court ruled that its powers area recommendatory," he said here.
    
He said the five-member panel was a constitutional body and demanded an amendment in Parliament to bring it under 9th Schedule "so that the judiciary cannot meddle with its powers and functioning".
    
He said the matter of dilution would be taken up in Parliament and demanded SC/ST quotas right from the level of sessions judge to chief justice besides reservation in educational institutions, private sector and other areas not covered so far.
    
Commenting on the turban row, Singh said he would try to meet French President Nicholas Sarkozy during his visit to India on Republic Day and raise the issue.
    
"The rights of Sikhs and minorities in France should be respected," he said on the banning of the Sikh religious headgear by that country.