9th May 2024 (16 Topics)
1
May
2
May
3
May
4
May
6
May
7
May
8
May
9
May
10
May
11
May
13
May
14
May
15
May
16
May
17
May
18
May
20
May
Civic Polls in Nagaland
Context
Nagaland's Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections were stalled for 20 years due to opposition to the reservation of 33% of wards for women. Previous attempts to hold elections faced strong protests and violence.
Background: Women's Reservation in Nagaland
- Legal Battle: Nagaland resisted implementing 33% reservation for women in municipalities and town councils, mandated by Article 243 T (3) of the Constitution.
- Naga Mothers Association and People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) fought a 15-year legal battle to enforce the constitutional provision.
- Obstacles: Nagaland's government and prominent sections of Naga society opposed reservation, citing cultural customs and constitutional provisions.
- The tribal bodies argued that women have traditionally not been part of decision-making bodies in Naga customs.
- According to them, allowing reservation for women would violate special provisions granted to the state under Article 371A of the Constitution.
Intervention of Supreme Court:
- In 2016, Supreme Court intervened, stayed the High Court's order, and revived the directive to hold elections within one month.
- State government, along with civil society groups, initiated violent protests against the reservation.
- SC bench, led by Justice Kaul, expedited the case in 2023, finally mandating elections to be held by June 2024.
Fact Box: Article 371A of the Constitution
|
UPSC PYQ:
Q: “The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process.” Comment (2019) |
More Articles
Courses
Study Notes
Home
Resources
More