A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Ahsanuddin Amanullah of the Supreme Court stayed the Nagaland government's decision to cancel the local body elections in the State with 33 percent reservation for women which was decided by the top court earlier.

The Supreme Court has sought Central government's reply with regard to the prayer of the original petitioners seeking deployment of central paramilitary forces in the State.

The court passed the order that "Our earlier order was clear that any breach would be in contempt. Notice in contempt petition to State government and other respondents. In view of the peremptory orders passed, notice also issued on other prayers [regarding deployment of central forces], as also notice to the Central government ... In the meantime, order dated 30.3.2023 cancelling the election program stayed".

The next date of hearing in the matter is fixed for 17th April, 2023.

The court said "This is contempt. How can they do this? Please tell them this is not possible, we will not allow this".

Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, had mentioned the contempt plea today.

"The Nagaland government has cancelled the [local body] elections. This happened as the CM said we are only conducting it because of this Court, but will not go against the will of the people. 3 groups are opposing."