In a significant move, the Supreme Court has lauded the Nagaland government for conducting urban local body (ULB) elections with a 33% reservation for women, a directive that had been delayed for over two decades. The apex court’s approval came after Nagaland successfully held these elections, fulfilling a constitutional mandate that had faced substantial resistance and led to legal battles.
Background
The Supreme Court had previously directed the state of Nagaland to implement a one-third reservation for women in municipal and town councils. This directive faced prolonged opposition from various local groups, causing multiple delays and leading to a contempt case against the state government.
Court’s Observations
During the recent hearing, the Advocate General for Nagaland informed the court that the state assembly had passed the necessary bill to implement the 33% reservation for women and that the local body elections had been conducted accordingly. The court acknowledged this development as “good news” and expressed satisfaction that the state had finally complied with its orders.
Key Developments
- Bill Passage: Nagaland passed a bill ensuring 33% reservations for women in local body elections.
- Election Conducted: The elections were successfully held, and results declared, marking a historic moment for women’s representation in the state.
- Closure of Contempt Case: With the successful implementation of the court’s directive, the Supreme Court closed the contempt proceedings against the Nagaland government.
Implications
This decision is a landmark for women’s empowerment in Nagaland, a state where such reservations had faced significant cultural and political resistance. The Supreme Court’s appreciation of the state’s efforts underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates and promoting gender equality in governance.
The successful implementation of this quota sets a precedent for other regions and highlights the role of judicial oversight in ensuring compliance with laws aimed at social justice and equality.