Bharat Bandh | Supreme Court verdict unfair, ought to be stayed: Manoj Gaurkella

Appearing for the Dalit community in the Supreme Court, the All India federation of SC/ST organisation — a conglomeration of 150 employee groups — advocate Manoj Gaurkella said the recent top court verdict was “unfair and unjust and it should be stayed”. Gaurkella also sought a larger bench to decide on this issue.

Seeking a review, the Centre – represented by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh submitted that diluting the provisions of the act violated the fundamental rights of the SC/ST community.

In a bid to assure the Dalit community, union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Centre had filed a “comprehensive” petition in the apex court against the March 20 judgment that has created a ripple in the political circles.

“We do not agree with the Supreme Court order. Senior lawyers will argue (the case) with all authority,” the minister said on Monday. Criticising the decision, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan hit out against the judgment as well by commenting, “There had never been such a quick step by the government on any issue. Why are parties playing politics over this issue?”