Partial Suspension of Democracy in Tamil Nadu

What is the issue?

Recently, Tamil Nadu government extended the term of special officers managing local bodies by six more months, the fourth such extension.
In addition to this, the prolonging of judicial proceedings in the 18 MLAs case are clear indications of suspension of democracy.

What is the progress in the 18 MLA’s case?

MLA vacancies - 18 MLAs of the ruling AIADMK were disqualified by the speaker of the TN assembly in Sep 2017, under the anti-defection law.
The ground for disqualification was that they had written to the Governor, seeking the removal of CM Palaniswami (and replace with someone else).
Notably, without the support of these 18 MLAs, the government would fall short of the half way mark of 118 in the Assembly.
Case - The MLAs filed cases in the Madras High Court quash their disqualification, arguing that they didn’t involve in any anti-party activities.
But despite the importance of the matter, the case was inordinately delayed by the High Court, and finally a 2 judge bench produced a split verdict.
While the case has now been referred to a 3-judge bench, it has in effect, helped in prolonging the case and thereby securing the CM for now.
Revolt - Thangatamilselvan (one of the 18 MLAs), has decided to withdraw his case in the High Court in protest against the further delay in judgement.
He has stated that he intends to resign and contest again instead of facing the long legal battle, which is affecting his constituency and its people.
Incidentally, Thangatamilselvan recently made critical remarks against the judiciary, and has been issued a “show cause notice” for the same.

Why are the local body and Assembly seats vacant?

Local body elections in Tamil Nadu were initially scheduled in October 2016, and were announced with a very short notice period.
But it was stalled by the Madras High Court after the opposition challenged the way in which the poll process was being carried out.
Also, DMK had demanded in its case before the High Court that reservations should be based on the 2011 census instead of the 1991 census.
Subsequently, the court dismissed the demand for basing the seats on 2011 census and ordered that polls be conducted after following proper procedure.
But at this point, the government sought more time citing “pending delimitation procedures”, and has been stating the same for months now.
Notably, Pondicherry too hasn’t held local body polls for over 7 years now and government is continuously delaying the delimitation process.
Such repeated delays in conducting elections are a serious cause of worry as it is akin to suspending democracy.

Have there been problems in governance?

The TN government has stated that officials heading local bodies are doing their job well and denied any reports of delays in execution of projects.
But on the contrast, media has been reporting multiple deals in civic work.
Officials have also been facing the wrath of the public due to some of their decisions, like the” new garbage collection fee” proposed for Chennai.
Coimbatore Corporation’s move to privatise the city’s 24x7 water supply scheme to French Company has attracted protests.
Also, property tax rationalisation hasn’t happed for residents in Chennai’s suburbs (who are paying more), even after merger with Chennai Corporation.

Source: Indian Express