SEC seeks time till Jan 29 to clarify on ZP election issue

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Jan 18 (UNI) The State Election Commission (SEC) has sought time till January 29 to clarify whether it proposes to file a review petition or follow the directives of the Bombay High Court in respect of the ''reservation by rotation'' system for the forthcoming Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections in the state.

A division bench, comprising justices N H Patil and R M Borde, posted the hearing for January 29.

Aurangabad zilla parishad members Uday Pawar, Bhagwan Salve, and others had filed a petition, challenging the draws announced by the SEC for the ZP elections. While demanding cancellation of the draws, the petitioners said the SEC had not followed the system of ''reservation by rotation'' while announcing the draws.

A division bench comprising justices P V Hardas and R M Sawant had earlier on October 20 directed the SEC to follow the ''reservation by rotation'' system. However, the SEC had filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging the high court directive.

The apex court yesterday dismissed the SLP as the SEC sought permission to withdraw the same after expressing its intention to move a review petition before the high court.

Adv S T Shelke, appearing for the SEC, informed the division bench today about the suspension of the proposed ZP elections and withdrawal of the SLP from the Supreme court. He also sought ten days time to clarify the SEC stand on whether to file a review petition or to follow the October 20 directive.

Chief Government Pleader Nandkumar Khandare submitted before the court that the State Government will file its affidavit only after the submission by the SEC on January 29, if required.

UNI