NEW DELHI: With local body elections in Kerala scheduled for later this year, the Supreme Court has questioned the state government on the criteria used for ward redivision.

The court has asked whether the 2011 census data or any other figures are being used as the basis. When the government cited population growth as the reason, the court enquired how this was determined. It further questioned whether the redivision, if conducted without accurate data, could be deemed arbitrary.

The petitions, filed by councillors and panchayat ward members from UDF-ruled municipalities, sought to overturn the Kerala High Court's verdict upholding the ward redivision.

A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Ahsanuddin Amanullah has issued notices to the state government, the State Election Commission, the Delimitation Commission, and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner. They have been directed to submit their responses within two weeks. The High Court declined to stay its earlier order. Detailed arguments will be heard, and the matter will be reconsidered on March 25.

2011 Census Data Controversy

The petitioners argue that ward redivision, having already been conducted based on the 2011 census data, cannot be repeated using the same data. They contend that redivision should only be carried out based on new census figures.

The High Court, however, maintained that ward redivision can be conducted multiple times using the 2011 census data. The division bench clarified that the legislature holds the authority to increase the number of wards, a matter beyond judicial interference.