Himachal Pradesh High court today stayed the notification of reservation roster for Zila Parishad Killar in Pangi subdivision of Chamba district, making election notification in the tribal area ineffective as it goes for poll on Nov 16, 2015.
Division bench comprising Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Mr. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan said that the operation, execution and implementation of the notification issued by District Election Officer Chamba on Oct 28.2015 is to be stayed till further orders.
Consul for petitioner Mr. Sajeev Bhushan said that court ordered to stay the election rosters accepting the contention of petitioners.
The court said that notification issued by district authority about election roasters carved out prima-facie case in favour of petitioners who had challenged decisions of deputy Commissioner of Chamba to reserve the constituency on the basis of percentage of population and should be rotated after every five years from the date of first election.
Counsel for the state Mr. Anup Rattan opposed the move of petitioners stating that notification should not be stayed at this stage when state election commission has issued election notification for three Zila Parishads of Chamba, Bharmaur and Kaza tribal seats. However, court turned down the contention of state finding the notification erroneous.
Court also directed the state to file reply of petition with in one week.
The move has left the state election commission in affix as it had already issued election notification on Oct 28 and filing of nomination would begin on Nov 7. Election has been announced to be held on Nov 26 .
