HC seeks panel reply on MCD poll pleas

The Delhi high court sought a reply of the poll panel on pleas seeking to quash the notification laying down the manner of allocation of wards for reserved categories and women in the upcoming MCD polls.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Chander Shekhar issued a notice to the Delhi State Election Commission and directed them to file their affidavit explaining the manner in which they have allotted the seats for the reserved category.

The matter has now been fixed for hearing on March 16, the next date of hearing.

The bench was hearing pleas filed by NGOs challenging the election panel’s February 6 notification, announcing the election for 272 wards of the three municipal corporations. The elections will be held in April.

Many social activists have also approached the high court, seeking stalling of the MCD polls, which was declined by the bench on Thursday.

In its pleas, the NGOs said the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) in 2011 was divided into three zone — North Delhi Municipal Corporation, East Delhi Municipal Corporation and South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The petitioners have sought quashing of the January-13 order with regard to delimitation of 272 wards with the composition of wards in each Assembly constituency.