After the Supreme Court ordered not to exceed the 50 percent reservation limit in the elections of local self-government bodies in the state (Maharashtra Election), it appears that the State Election Commission has now become active. To ensure that the reservation limit does not exceed 50 percent in the elections, sources have informed that where there is a higher reservation quota (OBC Reservation Quota), a fresh draw will be conducted. The next hearing on the 50 percent reservation in the Supreme Court is scheduled to take place.
However, all elections will remain subject to possible court orders. The Supreme Court has directed that the elections of local self-government bodies in the state be completed on time without postponement. Therefore, the ongoing municipal election process will continue. However, in places where the OBC reservation limit has been exceeded, the results will be subject to the possible outcome of the court, as per the decision. Additionally, instructions have been given to conduct elections for district councils, panchayat committees, and municipal corporations in the state without exceeding the reservation limit.
New reservation lottery to be drawn
Following the Supreme Court's directives, a new reservation lottery will now be conducted in district councils and two municipal corporations where the 50 percent reservation limit has been exceeded. Sources have informed that in places with higher reservation, a new lottery will be drawn for women OBC and women reservation.
Elections as scheduled
It is likely to take 15 days to complete the reservation process afresh. Efforts are underway to hold district council and panchayat committee elections in December. Therefore, the possibility of these elections being postponed is low.
What are the Supreme Court's directives?
An extremely important hearing regarding the elections of local self-government bodies took place in the Supreme Court. What will happen to the ongoing Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council elections? Also, when will the upcoming Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad, and Panchayat Samiti elections in the state be held? Many people had this question. The court has given some important directives on this. The first important point is that the Supreme Court has not stayed the Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council elections. This means these elections will be held at the scheduled time. Voting will take place on December 2 and the results of these elections will be announced on December 3. However, in the 57 municipalities where the OBC reservation limit has been exceeded, the results for those seats will be subject to the possible outcome of the court's decision.
The second important issue is the district council and municipal elections. The obstacle in front of these elections has also been removed. The court has clearly stated to hold the elections as per the previous order. Earlier, the Supreme Court had ordered that these elections be held by January 31. Along with this, the court has also clarified that there should be no reservation above 50 percent while conducting these elections. The third important point is that the results of local self-government bodies with reservations above 50 percent will be 'subject to outcome', meaning dependent on the possible future verdict of the court. That is, even if representatives are elected in places where the reservation limit has been exceeded, a hanging sword will remain over them. Now, the next hearing will be on January 21. A few days ago, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had stated that the upcoming district council elections might be postponed. As a result, everyone’s anxiety had increased. However, today’s Supreme Court hearing has brought great relief to aspirants from all parties.