GHC directs polls to be held, says CMO

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in a communiqué informed that the Gauhati High Court (GHC) on Tuesday ruled that the state government should constitute the Municipalities and Town Councils in the state with 33% reservation of seats for women.

According to CMO, the GHC had given out the judgment in the wake of a petition filed by a woman who prayed that “some extra constitutional bodies, who are opposed to election, are creating hurdles in holding the election freely and fairly and that the state Government be directed to ensure holding of free and fair elections to the ULBs with 33% reservation of seats for women”.

As per the Court information made available, the PIL no. 7/2017 was filed by one Vilanuo Angela Yhome and registered on January 30, which was subsequently put up in the supplementary causelist on January 31.

The order passed by Chief Justice Ajit Singh and Justice Achintya Malla Bujor Barua states that– “…The petitioner has, therefore prayed that Respondent nos.1 to 6 be directed to ensure that election to constitute the Municipal Councils and Two Councils with 33% reservation of seats for women is held in free and fair manner. To this payer, the learned Advocate General appearing for the State of Nagaland has fairly agreed. Having regard to the fact situation of the case, we are prima facie convinced that as per Notification dated 21.12.2016 of the State Election Commission, the election to constitute the Municipal Councils and Town Councils in the State of Nagaland with 33% reservation of seats for women should be held freely and fairly. We, accordingly, direct security be provided to the candidates and voters. List the case on 3.3.2017 for further orders.”

The Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) on Tuesday informed that it has followed up its decision on withdrawal of the SLP. 

In a press note, JACWR said the two petitioners who were in Delhi had submitted a signed petition on Monday, for withdrawal of the Civil Appeal and the writ petition from the Supreme Court of India.

It said necessary formalities would be done by their advocate Dr. Colin Gonsalves after which copies would be served to Nagaland government on the withdrawal.