Dimapur, March 14: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the schedule for Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election in Nagaland, recently announced by the State Government, “will not be disturbed”, and directed Nagaland Government and State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure fair polling process.
The Counsel for SEC informed a Bench comprising Justices SK Kaul, Manoj Misra and Aravind Kumar that it has notified the ULB elections to be held in Nagaland as ordered previously by the Court. “Election will be held on May 16, 2023”, the Counsel said.
In response, the Bench stated that the schedule should not be disturbed now. “SEC and (Nagaland) Government to make arrangements to ensure fair and free election is conducted. Individuals in breach of the same would be in breach of orders of this Court”, the Bench ruled.
It listed the matter to be heard again on May 18, “only to see that the story comes to an end”.
The Bench, comprising Justices SK Kaul, Manoj Misra and Aravind Kumar, was hearing a Civil Appeal filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and activist Rosemary Dzuvichu challenging the Nagaland Assembly’s resolution adopted on September 22, 2021, exempting the operation of Part IXA of the Constitution of India, which mandates 33% reservation for women, in Municipalities and Town Councils of the State.
On Tuesday, Justice Kaul also noted that two women were recently elected to Nagaland Legislative Assembly. “But, only four contested. More women have to also come forward and contest. 50% success rate. First time a woman Cabinet Minister,” he remarked.
The apex Court’s assertion that the schedule will not be disturbed comes in the backdrop of the three municipalities — represented by Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayats (AKMWP), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) — and the 36 town councils of Nagaland calling for an emergency consultative meeting at Kohima on March 21.
The three municipal organisations have demanded amendment to the Municipal Act before conducting the ULB election.
(Page News Service)
