The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Union government to take a “categorical stand” on establishing an independent body to review the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament and, possibly, scrap their post-retirement benefits and perks.
A Bench, led by Justice Jasti Chelameswar, said the time had come for the government to make clear its position on the issue which had been publicly debated since 2006.
The petition, filed by NGO Lok Prahari, said the pension and perks given to MPs, after they demitted office, were contrary to Article 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution. It said Parliament had no power to provide benefits to lawmakers without making any law. It argued that there were no guidelines for granting allowances.
The NGO highlighted how a person in his mid-twenties, a one-time MP, was eligible for pension for the rest of his life, and such an expenditure was a drain on the exchequer.
“Have you taken a categorical position? We know the Government of India’s policy is very dynamic. The issue has agitated the minds of people since 2006. What is the government’s view? Your counter-affidavit does not disclose a categorical stand,” the court questioned counsel for the Centre and senior advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha.
Mr. Sinha sought a week to file a detailed response. In a preliminary submission, he said the establishment of an independent commission to review the salaries and allowances of MPs was still under consideration.
“Irrespective of the government in power, this is a matter of concern. How long should it remain pending?” the Bench observed.
