HC seeks Centre’s reply on delimitation

According to the PIL, filed by former BJP MP Salkhan Murmu, the Commission’s recommendation to reduce the number of Scheduled Tribe reserved seats was ultra vires. Its notification was not “in the spirit of the Constitution”, the PIL added.

After the Centre’s counsel A K Khan told the Bench that under Article 325 of the Constitution the court had no jurisdiction on the issue of delimitation, the Bench directed him to file a counter affidavit and posted the hearing for September 4.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers downed shutters and schools and colleges remained shut throughout the state on Tuesday though Government offices functioned normally.

Sporadic incidents of stone throwing and attacks on commuters were reported from different parts of the state. Supporters of the bandh blocked National Highway 33, Ranchi airport and railway station. CM Madhu Koda, who supported the bandh, said he had directed the state administration to sound a “high alert” throughout the state.