Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court refused to halt the Panchayat election process and told the petitioner that the court would not stop polls at this stage. Moreover, the bench asked whether the petitioner wanted the entire exercise cancelled only because the notification did not include sub-category reservations.
During Friday’s hearing, the court examined arguments on the challenge to the 42 percent reservation order, GO-46. It also reminded both sides that it had already directed officials to continue the election process under the existing framework. Furthermore, the petitioner’s lawyer cited the 2009 GHMC election, which the court annulled in similar circumstances. However, the Election Commission’s advocate argued that courts should avoid any intervention once an election notification reaches the public domain.
Consequently, the bench noted that the current stage of the process restricted its scope for action. It added that the court could not issue a stay after instructing the government to proceed with the polls.
Court directs Telangana High Court review of reservation objections
Meanwhile, the petitioner’s counsel asked the government to disclose the dedicated commission report on reservations. Nevertheless, the Telangana High Court declined that request and said the petitioner must seek such material through the formal process.
In addition, the bench instructed the Telangana government to file a counter on sub-category reservations within six weeks. Finally, it adjourned the case for eight weeks to allow time for the state’s response and further arguments.