What Notice Did the Karnataka HC Issue to the Siddaramaiah Government Regarding Reservation?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has directed the Siddaramaiah government to address the finalization of seat reservations in 187 municipalities. This decision follows a petition from the State Election Commission and has implications for local governance as elections approach.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the Siddaramaiah government regarding seat reservations.
- The petition was filed by the State Election Commission seeking urgent action.
- The court has adjourned the case to December 11 for further proceedings.
- The importance of timely notifications for local elections is emphasized.
- The government has been directed to file a counter-affidavit addressing the petition.
Bengaluru, Nov 17 (NationPress) A notice was issued by the Divisional bench led by the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court on Monday, addressing the Siddaramaiah government regarding the final notification for the reservation of seats in 187 Municipalities.
This bench, consisting of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha, passed this order while reviewing a petition filed by the State Election Commission (SEC), which seeks a directive for the government to issue a notification in accordance with Section 13 (1) (d) of the Karnataka Municipalities Act. The case has been postponed until December 11.
Furthermore, the bench instructed that the respondent must present a formal reply in the form of a counter-affidavit, addressing the claims made in the petition ahead of the next scheduled hearing.
In its petition, the State Election Commission has urged the court to compel the government to promptly issue the final reservation notifications for the roles of president and vice president across all 187 urban local bodies. The SEC also requested the issuance of final reservation notifications for the wards, as stipulated under Section 42(2-a) of the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964.
It is noteworthy that on November 12, the same Divisional bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice C.M. Poonacha, issued a notice to the state government, instructing it to finalize reservations concerning the 5,950 Gram Panchayats (GPs) whose terms are set to expire by January 2026.
The notice was issued while considering the petition from the State Election Commission (SEC).
The SEC has sought urgent action from the state government regarding the final reservation nominations related to Section 5 (5) of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993.
The court also emphasized the seriousness of the matter, demanding that the state government file objections within two weeks.
Niloufer Akbar, the attorney representing the government, informed the court that the petition pertains to offices that will become vacant in January 2026. As this vacancy is in the future, the attorney requested a week to consult with the government and gather further instructions on how to proceed.
Point of View
The recent notice issued by the Karnataka High Court signifies the judiciary's commitment to ensuring electoral processes are upheld. This move emphasizes the importance of timely government action in local governance matters and reinforces the role of the State Election Commission in facilitating fair elections across municipalities. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of this ruling will be closely monitored.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the notice issued by the Karnataka High Court?
The notice signifies the court's effort to ensure that the Siddaramaiah government addresses the critical issue of seat reservations in municipalities, vital for upcoming local elections.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The matter has been adjourned to December 11, when further proceedings will take place.
What does the State Election Commission seek from the government?
The SEC is urging the government to issue final reservation notifications for the roles of president and vice president in urban local bodies, as well as for wards.
