Nagaland govt tells SC: Election process for ULBs to be completed by April 30

KOHIMA, Nagaland: The government of Nagaland has informed the apex court in India that the election process for the urban local bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland will be completed by April 30. Earlier in November Nagaland assembly approved the bill providing for the reservation of 33 per cent of seats for women in urban local bodies. The last civic body polls took place in 2004.

A Supreme Court bench consisting of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia took note of the affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, which states that the rules for the election will be formed within a month that is before January 8, 2024.

The court noted, “An affidavit has been filed on behalf of the chief secretary of the state of Nagaland affirming that the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023, was passed on November 9, 2023, by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and was notified on the same day after receiving the assent of the governor.”

Submission of the Chief Secretary came during a Supreme Court hearing on a petition filed against the cancellation of elections which also urges the apex court to take contempt action for the violation of its March 14 order regarding the poll process. Regarding the contempt issue, the apex court said, Notice of contempt can be discharged on the next date as by that time elections will be over.”