NGO challenges state govt's notification for civic election

Mumbai, Jan 17 (UNI) Sarthi Seva Sangh, a non-governmental organisation here, has moved the Mumbai high court against the state government's notification for the forthcoming municipal corporation elections, alleging that it is fraught with anomalies.

For one, the organisation has pointed out that nomination forms have been made available only in Marathi although it is mandatory that the forms be published in two languages -- the local language and in either English or Hindi. Many of the aspiring candidates here do not know Marathi, the organisation has contended.

The organisation also submitted before the court that the eight-day period that has been allowed for campaigning, is too short.

Publishing of pamphlets and such other activities require at least a week to complete, the organisation has said. The period for campaigning should be at least fifteen days, the organisation has contended.

The notification is also not clear about the reservation criterion and does not indicate whether the reservations were for ''other backward classes'' or for social, educational or economic backward classes, the organisation has submitted.

The organisation has urged the court to issue directions for quashing of the notification and issuance of a fresh one.

UNI