The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday issued a stern reprimand to both the Union of India and the State of Nagaland for their failure to implement the 33 percent reservation for women in urban municipalities, as mandated under Part-IXA of the Constitution. The Bench, led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, granted “one last chance” to both the central and state governments to clarify their stance on the matter.
Expressing strong disapproval, the Bench emphasized that the Centre and the state cannot evade their responsibilities by using the excuse of Nagaland’s special status. Despite the state’s unique standing, the Apex Court maintained that the law of the land must be upheld in Nagaland without compromising its personal and customary laws or affecting its Special Status.
In a significant directive, the Supreme Court ordered the Union government to ensure that the rules and regulations followed throughout the country are fully implemented in Nagaland as well. The Court’s objective is to ensure that women’s reservation in urban local bodies becomes a reality in the state.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 26 September, giving the Central and state government’s time to present their stand and plans for timely implementation.
Earlier, on 18 May, the Supreme Court had issued a strong warning to the Nagaland government, stating that any customary law that obstructs women from obtaining reservation in urban local bodies could be declared unconstitutional.