KOCHI: High court division bench has struck down the single bench’s verdict over reservation norms on chief’s post in local body government institutions. The high court’s verdict comes recognising the appeals of poll panel and the state government. As per the new verdict, if the chief’s post comes under reservation category for the third time, it need not be converted into the open segment.

The single bench has earlier in its verdict has said that if the chief’s post comes under the reservation category for the third consecutive time, through lottery, then it should be brought under open category and again another seat should be selected through lottery. The high court issued such a verdict in the wake of rampant complaints from several districts including Malappuram. The division bench has said that the earlier verdict of the single bench was implemented without giving due regard to existing municipality and panchayat norms. Meanwhile, the poll panel has informed that election process has already commenced and more changes in this regard cannot be made now. The government also told the high court that it was not a party in about 20 appeals filed with regard to the case.