Chennai: The High Court Madras bench has questioned the reasons for countries such as Tamil Nadu punished by reducing parliamentary seats to successfully implement population control measures and are asked whether they can be monetaryly compensated for loss of parliamentarians.
Until 1962, there were 41 members of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu.
But after the 1967 general election, the number has dropped to 39 because the country managed to control the growth of the population.
Using the analogy of the non-believing movement in 1999 where the former government of PM AB Vajpayee was lost by one vote, the bench of the Justice Division and Kirubukan and Justice B Pugalendhi said, “When the sound of one member of parliament was able to promise a government, it was very surprising that Tamil Nadu lost two Parliamentarians because of the successful implementation of birth control measures in the state.
“” Nosional, MP contributions in five years can be taken as Rs 200 Crore, although it cannot be monetaryly determined.
Therefore, for each election since 1967, Tamil Nadu Must be compensated by RS 400 Crore for a reduction of two MP seats totaling RS 5,600 crores, “Bench said.
Tamil Nadu must be compensated both monetary or through additional representations at Rajya Sabha, said the court.
Questioning the union government to why it cannot return the number to 41 members of parliament in the country of the next general election, the bench is also Suo Motu opposed the top 10 political parties, including the powerful DMK and Aiaadmk opposition, in addition to Congress and BJP to send their responses.
The court is hearing public interest petitions seeking the Tenkasi Parliament constituency that has remained a reserve constituency for more than 50 years.
Population control cannot be a factor to decide the number of state political representatives in parliament, the bench said.
“Countries that fail to implement birth control programs benefit from more political representatives in parliament while the state, especially southern countries such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, who succeeded in implementing their respective birth control measures in parliament.
Andhra Pradesh also lost two members of parliament and got a number reduced from 42 to 40 seats in parliament.
“The judges also noted that population control is a necessity and there will be a shortage of natural resources, public facilities and people cannot live a healthy life Without it.
“Usually, the state government must be respected and praised for successful in implementing the policies and projects of the central government and such state interests cannot be affected negatively.” The bench asked the authorities concerned to respond to the proposal within four weeks.