Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Supreme Court of India (SC)has granted both government as well as parties who have filed petition against delimitation and reservation of wards time till March 12 to file written submissions if any.
“Written submissions, if any, be filed by 12.03.2021 (Friday),” SC has stated in its order given yesterday, March 9. Arguments have concluded and the apex court has reserved its order in the matter.
The apex court had on March 4 stayed the High Court order which had set aside a notification by the Directorate of Municipal Administration on reservation of wards of Mormugao, Margao, Mapusa, Quepem and Sanguem municipal councils.
Following SC order the State Election Commission has rescheduled the elections for the 5 municipalities to March 21 sans final order in the matter by SC. Remaining 6 municipalities and CCP will go for polls on March 20 as per earlier announced schedule.
The Goa government had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order to stall the election process across five Municipalities, which were set to go for polls on March 20, along with six other Municipal councils.
The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on March 1 set aside a notification issued by the State government’s Directorate of Municipal Administration reserving various wards in five out of 11 civic bodies where elections will be held later this month.