SC refuses to step into cell tower row

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to set up an independent body for regulating the radiations arising out of mobile phone towers saying that the issue was already been looked into by the government. HT reports.

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to set up an independent body for regulating the radiations arising out of mobile phone towers saying that the issue was already been looked into by the government.

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With the observation a bench headed by justice HL Dattu dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to set up the body. The court said it would step in if the authorities fail to address the issue raised in the PIL.

It refrained from passing any directions as the court felt more information was required on the implementation of the telecom department's directives related to installation of mobile towers.

The court told advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, that court's interference was not required "at this state" since the government had already set-up a committee, as prayed in the PIL.

Declining his plea, the bench said, "You have to give the executive and legislature a free hand at the initial stages. Later if they fail we can step in."