Appealing to Anna Hazare to end his fast in view of government's decision to discuss Jan Lokpal in Parliament,former Chief Justice of India J S Verma said that after the move,continuation of the present impasse with the Gandhian's fast might not appear reasonable. Noting that Hazare's fast has reached a critical stage,Verma said,The prime minister's statement made in the Lok Sabha on Thursday assuring discussion of the Jan Lokpal bill prepared by the Team Anna along with all versions of the Lok Pal bill..This is a very positive development.. In my view,there is no justification at least now for the continuance of the fast undertaken by Hazare and I appeal to him to end his fast forthwith in keeping with the national sentiments and concern for his health. Verma had earlier written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to discuss the drafts already prepared by sections of civil society and in the public domain,including those by the Team Anna and the Aruna Roy team as the first step to end the imbroglio. Singh had replied to Verma on Wednesday making it clear that parliamentary democracy cannot be undermined and that it is only after due deliberation that a law can be passed that not only meets the aspirations of the people but is also practical and effective. Singh had also asked him to use his good offices to appeal to Hazare to end his fast. Asking Team Anna to persuade the Gandhian to end his fast,Verma said,"I am afraid continuation of the present impasse with Hazare's fast may not appear reasonable and may even appear to be a disrespect for the national sentiment as well as for the democratic polity,including that of Parliament and the constitution. Singh told the Lok Sabha that Parliament would find effective ways and means to discuss the Jan Lokpal Bill,along with the government version of the Bill,Aruna Roy's Bill and the paper presented by Jaiprakash Narayan. Verma also hoped "that the situation (of not appearing reasonable) does not arise and to prevent that is the primary responsibility of the members of the Anna Hazare team who have been continuously advising him.
