Centre asked to file counter affidavit on Delimitation by August 20

Ranchi, Jul 20 (UNI) Jharkhand High Court today directed the Union Government to file counter affidavit by August 20 in connection with the Section 4, 8 and 9 of Delimitation Act.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Muthuswamy Karpagyavinaygam and Justice Amreshay passed the order while hearing a writ petition, filed by Mr Salkhan Murmu, a senior politician of the state.

Today, the Jharkhand Government through Chief Electoral Officer, Delimitation Commision of India, Chief Election Commissioner, Ministry of Law and Justice filed their counter affidavit as per the earlier order of the court.

The Election Commissioner of India argued that the wirt was not maintainable and it should be dismissed.

Mr Delip Jerath appearing on behalf of the petitioner countered, saying it was not applicable in this case because in 1967 the Apex Court in a Constitutional Bench had held that the Bar could be applicable or attracted only after final publication under Section 10 of the Delimitation Act.

The Union of India pleaded for some time to file their counter affidavit before the court to which the court agreed and granted four weeks to file their counter affidavit in this regard.

UNI