Date:05/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/05/stories/2006050515110300.htm

Other States - Bihar

Order reserved on writs challenging reservation in panchayat

Over 100 writ petitions filed in High Court

PATNA: The Patna High Court, hearing a bunch of writ petitions challenging reservations in the upcoming panchayat polls in Bihar, on Thursday reserved its order after completion of arguments on the issue. A special Bench comprising Justice R N Prasad, Justice Barin Ghosh and Justice S N Hussain reserved its order for a future date after hearing Advocate General P K Shahi and a battery of lawyers challenging the reservation.

Over 100 writ petitions challenging various provisions of the Panchayati Raj Act, including reserving single-member posts like those of the Mukhia (panchayat head) and Sarpanch, and 50 per cent reservation for women and 20 per cent for extremely backward castes have been filed in the HC, which clubbed them together for joint hearing.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his NDA Government had termed the decision to reserve seats for women as ``historic''.

The panchayat poll in Bihar, which was earlier postponed for want of additional security forces including Central para-military force, is scheduled to be held in 10 phases from May 15.

Senior advocate Ganesh Prasad Singh argued that the total number of seats falling in reserved category at 68.5 per cent exceeded the constitutional limit of 50 per cent. Another lawyer Rajendra Singh argued against reserving single member post.

Mr. Shahi defended the Government saying the ``landmark'' decision was aimed at ensuring better representation for the socially backward sections and women in the three-tier panchayati raj institutions. .- PTI