Shimla, April 7 -- In a significant setback to the government, the Himachal Pradesh high court (HC) has stayed the state government's decision to grant deputy commissioners (DCs) discretionary powers to modify the reservation roster in up to 5% of seats for the upcoming panchayat polls. The high court further said any reservation roaster made under the new regulations will have to be redrawn. It reiterated its directive to all DCs to finalise and implement the reservation rosters for the polls by April 7, without fail. The detailed order is awaited. The decision comes during hearing of a PIL filed at the high court. Petitioner's advocate, Nand Lal, said, "The state government did not have the power to bring in the amendment. It was an arbitrary move by the government. Considering our plea the HC has not just stayed but also directed the state government to ensure all roster as per the law be implemented by April 7. The HC also clarified that the election should be held by May 31." Meanwhile, the DCs of five districts in the state issued the reservation rosters for the panchayat elections, including Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, which in view of HC order may have to be withdrawn. Following the HC's latest orders, if any DC had reserved 5% of the seats using their discretionary powers under the new regulations, the reservation roster in such cases will have to be redrawn. Panchayati raj minister, Anirudh Singh, said "We respect the judiciary and HC order will be implemented." Meanwhile, the leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur hailed the high court's decision....