Supreme Court can quash Jallikattu Ordinance: Congress' Manish Tewari warns against promulgation in hurry

The Jallikattu Ordinance is ready, cleared by multiple ministries and now all eyes are set on President Pranab Mukherjee. In all probability, President is expected to give his nod to the Tamil Nadu government Ordinance as the protests against the ban on Jallikattu have spread and intensified. But this will definitely not go down well with the Supreme Court, since the Jallikattu ban matter is under its consideration. So much so that the Oridnance may be quashed, if one believes Manish Tewari, Congress spokesperson and eminent lawyer.

While the Narendra Modi government apparently is pushing for the promulgation of the Ordinance to lift the Supreme Court's ban on jallikattu, Manish Tewari says it may set a bad precedent. Speaking to Indiatoday.in, Manish Tewari, who has also served as a Union minister, said instead of succumbing to the protests, the Centre could have waited for the Supreme Court to deliver its order in week's time. Tewari said, "The Supreme Court can quash the ordinance." Manish Tewari believes the Supreme Court can "take a dim view of the Ordinance and question its promulgation".

The Congress spokesperson was of the view that the Centre could well have waited for a week for the Supreme Court to pronounce its verdict.

LAW CANNOT BE MADE ON BASIS OF PROTESTS

On the large scale protests, Tewari said, "If law is going to be made on the basis of protests on the streets, then it is the end of rule of law." Massive protests have erupted in Tamil Nadu against the ban imposed by the Supreme Court on jallikattu. People from all walks of life have lent their support to the protests.

On Friday morning, the fourth day of the protests, the Centre moved the Supreme Court requesting it not to pronounce its verdict at least for a week. The apex court agreed to the Centre's request.

In a swift development later, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet met in the evening and passed an Ordinance recommending lifting of the ban. The Union Home ministry sought opinion from Environment and Law ministries. Both the ministries sent their consent and recommendation for due consideration. Subsequently, the Ordinance has been sent to the President for his final nod.

ORDINANCE TO GO THROUGH TWO MORE HURDLES

The Ordinance still has to go past two hurdles. First, it depends whether or not the President gives his assent to it. Second, the Supreme Court order in a week.

The Centre would face a major embarrassment if either the President declines his assent or the Supreme Court takes exception to the Ordinance.

As Tamil Nadu boils with protests, the Centre has some more homework to do in such circumstances.

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