Keep local body poll process in abeyance, Madras HC directs Puducherry Govt, SEC

The interim order was passed on an urgent PIL petition that contended that the rescinding of reservation of wards for BC and ST candidates was unconstitutional

The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Puducherry government and the State Election Commission to keep in abeyance, all further proceedings related to the local body polls, proposed to be held in the Union Territory without reserving wards for Backward Classes and Scheduled Tribe candidates.

Justices R. Mahadevan and Abdul Quddhose passed the interim order following an urgent public interest litigation petition moved by R. Siva, Leader of the Opposition in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly. The judges held a special sitting, during the week-long Dussehra holidays, at the instance of senior counsel P. Wilson.

The petitioner, belonging to DMK, challenged a Government Order issued on October 6 rescinding the previous notifications which provided 33.5% reservation for BCs and 0.5% for STs in the local body polls. He contended that the withdrawal of reservation was unconstitutional, and in violation of statutes governing the conduct of local body elections in Puducherry. He said the Irular tribe, including Villi and Vettaikaran, in the Union Territory were recognised as a Scheduled Tribe and they were entitled to reservation of wards.