Delhi High Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Seeking Urgent Implementation Of Women's Reservation Bill In Upcoming 2024 General Polls

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition seeking direction on the Union Government and the Election Commission of India to urgently implement the Women's Reservation Bill, 2023, to ensure the reservation of 33% seats for women in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Justice Subramonium Prasad refused to entertain the plea moved by a lawyer, Yogamaya MG, observing that the prayers were in the nature of a public interest litigation.

“You have not been able to show personal interest. Come to the prayers. Withdraw this and file a fresh PIL,” the court told the petitioner's counsel.

As the plea was withdrawn, the court granted liberty to Yogamaya to file a fresh “properly framed” PIL in accordance with the Delhi High Court Rules.

The counsel appearing for the Union Government also objected to the maintainability of the plea stating that it is in the nature of a PIL. However, since the plea was withdrawn, the counsel said that he will contest the petition when it will be filed afresh.

The plea also sought direction on the Centre to provide a “firm and expedited date” for the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, 2023, considering the “prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the delimitation process.”

A direction was also sought on the Election Commission of India to issue a directive to all political parties, soliciting their responses and plans for the expeditious implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill before the 2024 general elections.

“Despite delays in implementation, the Petitioner herein, has formally communicated to the Prime Minister via email, urging the immediate enactment of the Women's Reservation Bill, 2023. Additionally, a letter requesting the implementation of 33% reservation for women candidates in political parties' candidate lists during the upcoming election has been sent to the Election Commissioner of India. But as of now, no acknowledgment has been received,” the plea stated.

Title: MS. YOGAMAYA M.G. v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 1291