Panaji (Goa): The State government has decided to hold the elections of the disputed 15 panchayat wards on July 1.

The Bombay High Court at Goa, after staying the election process in these wards, had directed the Government to hold the polls for the 15 wards in ten panchayats on or before July 2.

Confirming the development, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the notification would be issued shortly.

The State Election Commission (SEC) will declare the election schedule once the notification is issued by the Directorate of Panchayats.

The Bench has given the direction based on an application filed by the SEC seeking extension of the time in holding the elections in the disputed wards following the stay by the Supreme Court on the HC’s order staying delimitation and reservation notification of May 16, 2017.

Total four petitions were filed by the poll-aspirants from the concerned wards challenging the reservation and delimitations.

Team TNV