SC issues notices to JSEC and Jharkhand govt

New Delhi, Mar 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to Jharkhand State Election Commission and State of Jharkhand on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Jharkhand Municipal Act 2000, under which the elections to Nagarpalikas are being held tomorrow.

A bench headed by Justice Altamas Kabir directed the respondents to file their response within three weeks.

According to the petitioner Scheduled Tribe Students Union, the impugned Act overrides the constitutional provision of fifth Schedule read with Article 244(1) of part 10 of the Constitution of India, which clearly empowers Parliament only to make such laws and also to amend the Constitution and the State Legislature is not competent to make such laws.

The apex court however refused to interfere with the polling for Municipal corporations, which is going to take place tomorrow in the state.

UNI SC RSA RP BD1633