Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the Goa government’s decision to authorize the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) to oversee the ward delimitation process for the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).
The petition, filed by former CCP corporator Menino da Cruz, contends that the task of delimiting municipal wards should fall under the jurisdiction of the State Election Commission (SEC) to uphold the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
Da Cruz argued that a 2005 amendment to the City of Panaji Corporation Act, which was applied retrospectively, effectively stripped the SEC of its role in delimitation. He alleged this move paves the way for potential political interference in municipal elections.
In response, the State government defended the amendment, asserting that the law does not expressly reserve delimitation powers for the SEC. It maintained that assigning the responsibility to the DMA is within legal bounds and does not contravene constitutional provisions.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court has reserved its decision, which is expected to have significant implications for electoral governance in the state capital.
