“The proof is in the pudding”, SC Judge’s response to State AG on Nagaland Municipal Bill of 2023

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 26: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly is expected to pass the Nagaland Municipal Bill of 2023 by the first week of November.
This hope was expressed by KN Balgopal, the Advocate General (AG) of Nagaland, on Tuesday during yet another hearing in the Supreme Court of a contempt plea alleging non-compliance with a previous SC order directing Nagaland Government to hold Urban Local Body elections with 33% seat reservation for women.
According to LiveLaw updates, the AG informed the Supreme Court that a Bill was introduced in September “which provides for reservation for women in urban local bodies in terms of Art. 243T; this was possible after consultation with tribal heads”.
He also told the Court that said Bill has been referred to a select committee for examination. Accordingly, the AG requested an adjournment of the case till the first week of November.
To this, Justice SK Kaul responded: “The proof is in the pudding”. The Judge also made it clear that he wanted to “give finality to this (matter) before demitting office”.
As per the updates, the apex Court recorded the AG’s statement that the select committee is expected to shortly give its report.
It also recorded the AG’s request for a deferment till the first week of November “by which time he is hopeful that the (Nagaland) Legislative Assembly will pass the Bill”.
(Page News Service)