Delhi HC refuses to entertain plea for urgent implementation of Women's Reservation Bill

The Delhi High Court on Friday, 15 December, refused to entertain a petition urging the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to urgently implement the Women's Reservation Bill 2023, ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Justice Subramonium Prasad observed that the petition resembled a public interest litigation (PIL) and suggested the petitioner withdraw the plea and file a fresh PIL. The court also granted petitioner Yogamaya MG the liberty to file a new PIL properly framed according to Delhi High Court rules.

Counsel for the Central government objected to the maintainability of the plea, stating its nature as a PIL. Although the plea was withdrawn, the counsel expressed intent to contest the petition when refiled.

The petition sought a direction to the Centre to provide an expedited date for implementing the Women's Reservation Bill 2023, considering the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the delimitation process.

It also sought a direction to the ECI to issue a directive to political parties, soliciting their responses and plans for the swift implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill before the 2024 general elections.

Despite formal communication to the prime minister and the ECI, the petitioner claimed to have received no acknowledgment as of now.