Will Jharkhand's Civic Elections Conclude by March?
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Synopsis
The long-anticipated municipal elections in Jharkhand are on the horizon, with the SEC confirming plans to finalize the electoral process by March. Following prolonged delays and government preparations, the High Court has directed the SEC to adhere to the proposed schedule, marking a significant step towards restoring democratic governance in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Municipal elections in Jharkhand are set to conclude by March.
- Government has completed all necessary preparations.
- SEC requires eight weeks for finalization before issuing notifications.
- High Court has mandated adherence to the proposed election schedule.
- Absence of elected representatives has lasted over two years.
Ranchi, Nov 24 (NationPress) The long-awaited elections for all 48 municipal corporations and bodies in Jharkhand are slated for completion by March of the upcoming year. The Hemant Soren administration informed the High Court on Monday that it has finalized all arrangements necessary for the election process.
The State Election Commission (SEC) also presented a sealed timeline to the High Court during the proceedings on Monday.
The state government informed the court that it has fulfilled all essential formalities and has provided all relevant documents, including details regarding OBC reservations and population statistics, to the Commission.
Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan assured the bench that the SEC does not require any additional information from the government.
The SEC stated that it would require a minimum of eight weeks to finalize election preparations, after which the notification can be issued, and the election process will be completed within 45 days.
Upon reviewing the submission, the High Court instructed the Commission to carry out the elections as per the proposed timeline. The next hearing is scheduled for March 30.
This directive was issued during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by petitioners Roshni Khalkho and Reena Kumari, who sought enforcement of the court’s previous order mandating timely municipal elections.
Advocate Vinod Kumar Singh presented the case on behalf of the petitioners, while Advocate Sumit Gadodia represented the SEC.
The SEC also confirmed to the court that all governmental formalities are now complete, and it will move forward with issuing notifications and launching the electoral process.
The terms of all municipal bodies in Jharkhand expired in April 2023. Elections that were initially scheduled for April 27, 2023, were delayed due to the unfinished “triple test” process necessary for determining OBC reservation quotas.
Since that time, all municipal corporations, municipalities, municipal councils, and town councils have been managed by government-appointed administrators, leaving no elected representatives for over two years.
No municipal elections have taken place in the state since 2023.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of timely municipal elections in fostering democracy and local governance. The prolonged absence of elected representatives in Jharkhand underscores the need for accountability and responsiveness in local administration. Ensuring that elections are conducted promptly will pave the way for better governance, and we stand by the principle that the will of the people should always be prioritized in a democratic society.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline for the municipal elections in Jharkhand?
The municipal elections in Jharkhand are set to be completed by March next year, following the timeline submitted by the State Election Commission.
Why were the elections postponed?
The elections initially scheduled for April 27, 2023, were postponed due to the incomplete 'triple test' process needed to determine OBC reservation quotas.
How long will the election preparations take?
The State Election Commission has indicated that it will require at least eight weeks to complete all election preparations.
When is the next hearing regarding the elections?
The next hearing concerning the municipal elections has been scheduled for March 30.
What has been the situation in Jharkhand's municipal governance since April 2023?
Since April 2023, all municipal bodies in Jharkhand have been administered by government-appointed officials, with no elected representatives for over two years.
