Supreme Court adjourns hearing on OBC reservation in UP Local Body Polls to March 24

The Supreme Court on Wednesday listed the matter regarding reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in elections to the Uttar Pradesh Panchayat for hearing on March 24.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the case before Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, stating that a dedicated commission had prepared a report on the subject.

The CJI then listed the matter for hearing on March 24.

Earlier on March 3, a Bench of CJI Chandrachud, Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice J.B. Pardiwala had issued notice on a petition filed by the All India Council of Mayors seeking to allow Mayors in Uttar Pradesh local bodies to continue in their offices till their successors were elected. 

Earlier on January 4, the Supreme Court had put a partial stay on the order by the Allahabad High Court that directed the Uttar Pradesh government to hold pending urban local body elections without any reservation for OBCs.

The top court of the country had said that the stay was limited to the High Court stating that polls should be held by January 31.

The Bench of CJI Chandrachud and Justice Narasimha had observed that holding elections without OBC reservation was not right,. It added that even a constitutional vacuum in terms of vacant seats could not be allowed.

The Apex Court said that pending further orders, such direction shall remain stayed. It added that to ensure administration of local bodies was not hampered, the government would be at liberty for delegating responsibilities and financial powers.