Petitions Challenging Ponda By-Election: ECI Seeks Time To Respond

PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa heard two petitions challenging the Ponda by-election scheduled to be held on April 9, with petitioners contending that the by-election is not required as the elected MLA will not get the mandatory minimum term of one year as provided under the law.During the hearing, counsel representing the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer sought time to file their responses to the pleas.The petitioners argued that conducting the by-election at this stage would defeat the legal provision, as the remaining tenure of the Assembly would be less than one year.After hearing the submissions, the High Court granted time to the respondents and adjourned the matter to March 30 (Monday) for further hearing.