The Supreme Court has ordered that local body elections in Maharashtra be held by January 31, 2026. The court reprimanded the Election Commission, stating that no further extensions will be granted and elections must be completed within the stipulated time.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a significant order regarding local body elections in Maharashtra. The court has clearly stated that all elections must be completed by January 31, 2026, under all circumstances. The court severely reprimanded the State Election Commission (SEC) in this matter and declared that no further extensions will be given.
Strictness on the State Election Commission
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi explicitly stated that the State Election Commission has failed to fulfill its responsibilities on time. The court warned that any further delays will not be tolerated.
Uniform Rules for All Bodies
The court's order specified that this deadline will apply to Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and Municipalities. This means that local elections at all levels in the state will be completed within the prescribed timeframe.
Order to Complete Delimitation by October 31, 2025
The Supreme Court issued clear directives that the delimitation process for local bodies in Maharashtra must be completed by October 31, 2025, without fail. The court further added that the delimitation work cannot be used as a ground for postponing the elections.
Election Commission's Arguments Rejected
During the hearing, the State Election Commission presented several reasons that could potentially delay the elections, including the availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), unavailability of school premises during board examinations, and staff shortages.
However, the court dismissed these arguments, labeling them as mere excuses for administrative inefficiency. The court clarified that the board examinations scheduled for March 2026 cannot pose any obstacle to elections concluding by January.
'Contact the Court if Need Arises, on Time'
The Supreme Court also stated that if the state or the Election Commission requires any additional logistical support, they can approach the court before October 31, 2025. However, no petitions or requests will be entertained after this date.
Court's Observation
The bench sternly remarked that the court is concerned by the State Election Commission's repeated failure to adhere to deadlines. The Supreme Court reiterated that elections must now be conducted on time.
This order will also bring relief to the general public, as the long-delayed local body elections will now be completed within the stipulated timeframe. This will enable elected representatives in local bodies to discharge their duties, and the public will witness an acceleration in development work.
