BC census first then Panchayat Raj polls: High Court

The High Court yesterday stayed the process of gram panchayat elections. The Court directed the State government not to conduct elections till BC reservation issue was cleared. The Court also directed the BC Commission to submit a report after conducting a comprehensive survey on BC population in the State.

Dealing with a petition filed by TPCC official spokesperson Dasoju Sravan here on Tuesday, the High Court asked the government’s counsel on what basis 34 percent reservation was allocated to BCs. The petitioner also pleaded with the



High Court to direct the State government to receive objections if any after conducting a survey as per 2018 Panchayat Raj Act.

On the other hand, the Additional Advocate General informed the Court that the government has geared up to issue Panchayat elections notification. He also informed the Court that the term of Sarpanch, ward members was over. Reacting to it, the High Court suggested to Additional Advocate General to go for elections only after clearing the BC-A, B, C reservation process.