Ensure Maha local bodies poll process in 2 weeks: SC

One-liner: The SC on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra state election commission and the state authorities to ensure the process for local bodies' elections is commenced within two weeks.

Can't be deferred: The apex court, which was hearing the case related to OBC quota in Maharashtra local body elections and was apprised that the poll process for 367 local bodies has already started, observed the election can't be deferred anymore.

compliance report: During the hearing on Wednesday, the counsel appearing for the SEC said they have filed a compliance report and gave details about the status of the election process. 

Spirit of Constitution: The top court expressed the hope that authorities will complete the election process in respect of the remaining local bodies in right earnest keeping in mind the spirit of the requirement under the Constitution in that regard.

General seats: In Dec last year, the top court directed the SEC to notify 27% of seats in the local body, which were reserved for the OBCs, as general seats so that the poll process can be taken forward.

Bottom line: Last year, the SC had set aside the OBC quota in local bodies in Maharashtra for want of empirical data about backward classes. 

Source: PTI