Somnath asks judiciary not to become `super legislature'

NAGPUR: Slamming judicial activism yet again, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee cautioned that any efforts by the judiciary to take on itself the 'onerous responsibility' of the governance of the country will have 'serious implications.'

Chatterjee asked the judiciary not to become a 'super legislature' saying it should not overstep into matters of legislature and encroach upon spheres earmarked for other organs of the democracy.

Speaking at a function of the High Court Bar Association here on Monday, Chatterjee said the Indian constitution has clearly demarcated the responsibility for managing public affairs to the legislature for which they are accountable to the people. Justice Swantater Kumar and a galaxy of other members of bench and bar were present at the function.

"Any efforts by the judiciary to take on itself the onerous responsibility of the governance of the country will have serious implications," he said.

"Legislature has a pre-eminent position in the democratic set up," he added.

Expressing deep concern over inordinate delay in dispensing justice, Chatterjee said it was disturbing the nation's 'conscience'.