[33% reservation for women in Nagaland local bodies] We have no trust in State government: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday criticised the Nagaland government for delaying at every stage of the process of implementing the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in local bodies [Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. State of Nagaland]. .A Bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh was informed that administrative approval was granted to the State Election Commission for implementation of the said reservation. However, the Bench took exception to the delay in carrying out the process, taking note of the fact that the approval was only notified on July 12.It was pointed out that only when the matter was listed before court, something was done. Justice Kaul went on to explain that that the Court did not trust the State government, and was thus forced to monitor each stage of the election."We have no trust in the state government...12 years! Something which could have been automatically done, requires so much effort. Very sad state. You talk about gender equality. This is the part of the country where women are extremely educated. They are required all over the country.".The Court was hearing a petition moved by activist Rosemary Dzuvichu and the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) challenging a resolution passed by the Nagaland State Assembly on September 22, 2012, which exempted the operation of Part IX-A of the Constitution that mandates 33 per cent reservation for women in local bodies in the state.In 2016, the above resolution was withdrawn by the Nagaland Assembly, even as the reservation is yet to be implemented..On the government's submission, the Court called upon the State Election Commission to strictly follow the schedule. On an enquiry with regard to when the elections would be notified, the Bench was informed that immediately after the publication of the election rolls, the election process would take 45 days. The judges were assured that steps would be taken as soon as possible. Therefore, the State Election Commission was asked to file an affidavit revealing the date when the elections would be notified, within two weeks. "At each stage there has been a delay on part of the State...its endeavour to defeat the rights of the women. It seems even 12 years is not enough delay," the Bench observed before listing the case for further hearing on July 29. .In February, the Court had granted the State government a final opportunity to implement the reservation. It came down on the State after going through a report filed by the State Election Commission in the matter."The report is once again reflection on the lackadaisical attitude of the State Government even in furtherance of assurances given to this Court apart from the fact of the legal mandate which they are required to follow," the Bench had observed..[33% reservation for women in local bodies] Either you decide or we will: Supreme Court gives last chance to Nagaland.[Read our live-coverage of the hearing below]

[33% reservation for women in Nagaland local bodies] We have no trust in State government: Supreme Court

Shagun Suryam

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