Panaji (Goa): In a major relief to Goa government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim stay on the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court order staying the reservation and delimitation of few wards for June 11 panchayat election.

The Bench comprising of Justices A K Sikri and Deepak Gupta also issued notices to half a dozen persons who had obtained the stay from the High Court on reservation and delimitation of wards in as many as ten village panchayats.

The High Court on May 24 granted stay on the plea that the rotation policy of reservation of wards was not followed and it was made without adhering to criteria. The stay was also sought on the grounds that delimitation of wards was undertaken illegally.

When contacted, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho confirmed that Supreme Court has granted interim stay on the High Court order. “Since now Apex Court has stayed the order, State Election Commission (SEC), may have to grant time for filing nominations from those wards,” he said.

Total 186 panchayats will be going for polls on June 11. The counting will be held on June 13. As many as 5297 candidates are in fray from 1467 wards.

Team TNV