Plea in SC seeks direction to empower citizens to petition Parliament

The plea has sought a declaration that it is the fundamental right of citizens to directly petition Parliament to seek initiation of a debate, discussion and deliberation on the issues highlighted by them

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre and others to take steps to create an appropriate system which empowers citizens to petition Parliament and seek initiation of deliberations on issues highlighted by them.

The plea came up for hearing on Friday before a bench comprising justices K. M. Joseph and B. V. Nagarathna.

The bench asked the counsel appearing for petitioner Karan Garg to serve a copy of the plea to the Centre's lawyer and posted the matter in February.

Advocate Rohan J. Alva appeared for the petitioner.

The plea has sought a declaration that it is the fundamental right of citizens under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution to directly petition Parliament to seek initiation of a debate, discussion and deliberation on the issues highlighted by them in their petitions.

"The present writ petition prays that it is imperative for the respondents (Centre and others) to take substantive steps in order to ensure that citizens can have their voices heard in Parliament without facing undue barriers and difficulties," it said.

The plea said as an ordinary citizen of the country, the petitioner felt "diempowered" when it came to participation in the democratic process and after people cast their votes and elect representatives, there is no scope for any further participation.