New Delhi: Appealing to Anna Hazare to end
his fast in view of government`s decision to discuss Jan
Lokpal in Parliament, former Chief Justice of India J S Verma
on Thursday said that after the move, continuation of the present
impasse with the Gandhian`s fast may not appear "reasonable".
Noting that Hazare`s fast has reached a "critical stage",
Verma said "the Prime Minister`s statement made in the Lok
Sabha today assuring discussion of the Jan Lokpal bill
prepared by the Team Anna along with all versions of the Lok
Pal bill......This is a very positive devlopment....
"In my view, there is no justification at least now for
the continuance of the fast undertaken by Hazare and I appeal
to him to end his fast forthwith in keeping with the national
sentiments and concern for his health."
Verma had earlier written to Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh asking him to discuss the drafts already prepared by
sections of civil society and in the public domain, including
those by the Team Anna and the Aruna Roy team as the first
step to end the imbroglio.
Singh had replied to Verma yesterday making it clear that
parliamentary democracy cannot be undermined and that it is
only after "due deliberation" that a law can be passed that
not only meets the aspirations of the people but is also
"practical and effective".
Singh had also asked him to use his good offices to
appeal to Hazare to end his fast.
Asking Team Anna to persuade the Gandhian to end his
fast, Verma said "I am afraid continuation of the present
impasse with Hazare`s fast may not appear reasonable and may
even appear to be a disrespect for the national sentiment as
well as for the democratic polity, including that of
Parliament and the constitution."
PTI
