Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Nov 20: The High Court refused to cancel the reservations announced by the state election commission, based on the ordinance earlier issued by the state government, for the ensuing zilla panchayat and taluk panchayat elections.

A number of persons had filed writ petitions in the High Court, pointing out that the ordinance earlier issued by the state government had the potential to inflict injustice on the backward classes. They had prayed for the cancellation of the notification issued by the election commission, earmarking reservation for various categories.

“The decision taken by the government about the earmarking of reservations to various categories for local body elections is final. The court does not interfere with this issue. Still, it is the duty of the government to provide equality to politically backward classes. Hence, the government has to take steps towards this goal. The petitioners can approach the government, duly specifying their idea about what the reservation matrix should be, within three days. The government on its part should verify these petitions and take a final decision within two weeks. However, the decision of the government will be final,” the High Court said, while disposing off a batch of petitions on this issue.

In the judgment, the High Court felt it proper for the government to think about providing sub-reservations within the reservations meant for backward classes, and advised the government to take a decision on this aspect, duly taking into account the need to provide social, financial and political justice. The court specified that this exercise should be completed before December 10.