- (1.) Through this petition, the petitioner, who appears in person seeks our intervention for directing the Union of India to place on record steps taken by the Government for formulating a policy for stabilization of population of the country It is also suggested after examining the policy, if any, it be examined by this court and assistance be taken of the experts in the field for suggesting remedial measures for implementation of the stabilization and population policy and monitor it for a period of 10 years Prayers (a) , (b) and (c) in the writ petition read as follows:- (A) Issue an appropriate writ or direction commanding UOI to place before this Court the policy, if any, of stabilization of population of this country; (B) Issue an appropriate writ or direction after examining policy of Government of India, if any, regarding stabilization and population of this country, find the causes of population explosion with the assistance of experts in this field, and then suggest remedial measures for the implementation of the same, which might include education; (C) Issue an appropriate direction and monitor the stabilizing of population of this country at least for a period of 10 years by finding cause of the malaise and suggesting remedial measures for enforcement by the Government with the help of experts.
(2.) Population explosion is indeed a matter of concern but realizing that relief prayed for by the petitioner may not fall within the ambit of scrutiny by judicial review, being essentially matters of policy of the Government, by our order dated 9.10. 2000, we directed that before we consider this petition any further, the petitioner should furnish a copy of the petition to the learned Solicitor General to enable him to examine the matter. The needful was done.
(3.) Learned Solicitor General has filed an affidavit of Shri A. R. Nanda, Secretary, Department of Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Nirman Bhavan, New delhi, detailing steps already taken by the Government towards stabilization of the population in the country including examination of causes of population explosion. Alongwith the affidavit, a copy of National Population Policy has also been filed. We are also informed that a National Commission on Population has already been set up by the Government of India vide Resolution dated 11.5.2000 published in the Government of India Gazette. A copy of the Resolution has also been placed on record. In para 4 of the Resolution it is clearly stated that the Commission may associate any expert body or person in pursuance of its objectives. It is obvious no that the Government has adopted National Population Policy, 2000 and has also set up a machinery to see to its implementation and enforcement. In this view of the matter, we are not inclined to proceed any further with this writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution. The writ petition is accordingly, disposed of and consigned to record.;