The GVMC ward division process in Visakhapatnam has received a major boost after the Andhra Pradesh High Court lifted the interim stay imposed by a Single Judge.

A Division Bench of the High Court allowed the appeal filed by the State Government against the interim order passed on May 29.

The Bench directed the Single Judge to expedite the hearing of the petition challenging the ward division and examine all the issues raised by the petitioners.

High Court Lifts Interim Stay on Ward Division

The Single Judge had earlier imposed an interim stay on the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation ward division process on May 29.

The State Government challenged the interim order before the Division Bench, arguing that the ward division is part of the electoral process and is required to ensure proper and equal representation.

After hearing the arguments, the Division Bench found no valid reason to continue the interim stay and allowed the government’s appeal.

No Opinion on Merits of the Case

The Division Bench made it clear that it has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the ward division case.

The Bench directed the Single Judge to consider all the issues raised by the petitioners and take a decision after examining the matter in detail.

This means that the legal challenge against the ward division is still pending before the Single Judge.

Petitioners Raise 2027 Census Concerns

Residents of Visakhapatnam had challenged the proposed ward division, raising concerns regarding the 2027 Census and the timing of the delimitation process.

The petitioners questioned the process and sought legal intervention over the proposed ward division.

The government, however, maintained that the ward division is an electoral exercise intended to ensure equal representation.

Government Clarifies Delimitation Process

The State Government clarified that the ward division does not change the geographical boundaries of Visakhapatnam.

It also stated that the delimitation process has no connection with changing or interfering with the Census process.

The government further argued that the petitioners had not raised objections to the previous delimitation notification.

No Final Notification in Next 3–4 Weeks

During the hearing, the Advocate General informed the High Court that there is no possibility of issuing the final ward division notification in the next three to four weeks.

The statement provides some time for the legal proceedings to continue before the final notification is issued.

What Happens Next?

With the interim stay lifted, the GVMC ward division process can move forward.

However, the final outcome of the legal challenge will depend on the proceedings before the Single Judge.

The High Court Division Bench has specifically directed the Single Judge to hear the matter expeditiously while making it clear that it has not taken a final view on the merits of the case.

The development is significant for Visakhapatnam’s municipal electoral process and could have an impact on the future ward structure of GVMC.

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FAQ

What happened to the GVMC ward division stay?

The Andhra Pradesh High Court Division Bench lifted the interim stay imposed by the Single Judge on the GVMC ward division process.

When was the interim stay imposed?

The Single Judge imposed the interim stay on the GVMC ward division process on May 29.

Why was the GVMC ward division challenged?

Petitioners from Visakhapatnam challenged the ward division and raised concerns including the upcoming 2027 Census.

Has the High Court given a final decision on the ward division?

No. The Division Bench clarified that it has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case. The Single Judge will examine the issues and decide the petition.

When will the final ward division notification be issued?

The Advocate General told the High Court that there is no possibility of a final notification being issued in the next three to four weeks.