Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Feb 22 (UNI) The Aurangabad division bench of the Bombay High Court here today observed that the State Election Commission (SEC) should convene a meeting of the state education secretary, government representative and secretary of the state higher secondary certificate examination board in connection with the clashing of dates of SSC and HSC examination with the ensuing Zilla Parishad elections in the state.

The division bench comprising Justice N H Patil and Justice R M Borde made the observation while hearing the petition objecting to the ZP election's scheduled date March 11.

The HC bench directed the SEC to hold the meeting of the concerned in its office at 1100 hrs in Mumbai tomorrow.

The petitioners -Balasaheb Devidas Doke and Kachru Laxman Kaspe - have contended that more than 27 lakh students across the state were scheduled to appear for the SSC and HSC examination during February 21 and March 5 and March 8 and March 23. They further stated that during the election period, the candidates take out rallies, and make use of loud-speakers in the campaign, which would affect the preparations of the students. Hence, the petitioners urged the court to issue directives to the SEC to declare fresh dates for the ZP election, after the expiry of the examinations i.e. March 23.

UNI