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Karnataka HC Notice to Siddaramaiah Govt Over Local Body Reservations

The Karnataka High Court has taken serious note of the delay in reservation notifications for local body elections. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru issued notice to the Siddaramaiah government following a petition from the State Election Commission. The court has directed the government to file a formal reply addressing the commission's concerns about delayed reservations. The matter will be heard again on December 11, giving the government time to prepare its response.

Key Points: Karnataka HC Issues Notice to Siddaramaiah Govt on Reservations

  • High Court issues notice to state government over delayed reservation notifications
  • Case involves 187 urban local bodies awaiting final reservation details
  • State Election Commission seeks immediate notification for president and vice president posts
  • Matter adjourned to December 11 for next hearing with government response due
2 min read

Local body polls: K'taka HC issues notice to Siddaramaiah govt over reservation issue

Karnataka High Court directs Siddaramaiah government to respond to State Election Commission's petition seeking immediate reservation notifications for 187 municipalities.

"The bench has directed that the respondent must file a formal reply addressing the statements made in the petition - Karnataka High Court Order"

Bengaluru, Nov 17

The Divisional bench headed by the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Siddarmaiah government in connection with the issuance of the final notification of reservation of seats in 187 Municipalities.

The bench headed by the Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha passed the order, while looking into the petition filed by the State Election Commission (SEC) seeking a direction to the state government to issue a notification under Section 13 (1) (d) of the Karnataka Municipalities Act. The matter has been adjourned to December 11.

The bench has also directed that the respondent must file a formal reply in the form of a counter-affidavit addressing and disputing the statements made in the petition before the next hearing date.

The State Election Commission, in its petition, has requested the court to direct the state government to immediately issue the final reservation notifications for the posts of president and vice president in all 187 urban local bodies and also pleaded to ensure issuing of the final reservation notifications for the wards, as required under Section 42(2-a) of the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964.

It can be recalled that the Divisional bench headed by Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice C.M. Poonacha issued notice on November 12 to the state government and directed it to finalise reservations, concerning the 5,950 Gram Panchayats (GPs) whose terms will expire by January 2026.

The bench issued the notice while looking into the petition of the State Election Commission (SEC).

The SEC sought immediate direction and action from the state government with regard to issuing a final nomination for the reservation of seats under Section 5 (5) of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993.

The court had also asked the state government to take the matter seriously and file objections in two weeks.

Niloufer Akbar, the counsel representing the government, had submitted to the court that the petition was about the office that will become vacant in January 2026. Since the vacancy was for the future, the counsel asked the court for one week to consult the government and get further instructions on how to proceed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the High Court taking this seriously. Reservation issues need to be settled well in advance to avoid last-minute confusion. Hope the government files its reply properly by December 11.
A
Arjun K
While I understand the government needs time, this seems like unnecessary delay tactics. Local body elections are crucial for grassroots democracy. The SEC is right to approach the court.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in urban governance, I can say these delays create uncertainty for both officials and citizens. The 187 municipalities need clarity on reservations to prepare for elections properly.
V
Vikram M
Reservation politics always creates these complications. The government should have a systematic approach rather than waiting for court directions every time. This affects development work at local levels.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how Indian courts are actively ensuring electoral processes move forward. The December 11 hearing will be crucial. Hope the government comes prepared with proper documentation.

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