Taking the criticism of the Supreme Court in her stride, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that the State government approached the Supreme Court on Aadhaar because it felt that it had grounds to do so.
“We have highest respect for the court.. There is no problem,” Ms. Banerjee told journalists when asked about the developments at the Supreme Court during the day.
The apex court on Monday pulled up the West Bengal government for directly approaching it against the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing various social welfare schemes.
A Bench of A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan suggested that Ms. Banerjee can come and file petition as a citizen. West Bengal had filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution.
“The court did not say it rejected the plea. It asked us to appeal individually. We appreciate that,” Ms. Banerjee said.
Individual basis
She maintained that her government felt that it had “grounds to approach” the Supreme Court. The Chief Minister said she had information that some people had filed petitions challenging Aadhaar on individual basis.
Other leaders of the Trinamool Congress also came in support of the State government’s decision of directly approaching the Supreme Court on Aadhaar.
Senior party leader Partha Chatterjee said he was unable to comprehend that individuals could approach the Supreme Court on Aadhaar but the State government in the interest of people could not do so.