Is There a Delay in Municipal Polls? Rajasthan HC Demands Government's Response in Four Weeks
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court has intervened in the state government's decision to delay municipal elections, demanding a response within four weeks. Former MLA Sanyam Lodha challenges the constitutionality of the delay, citing the Supreme Court's guidelines for local elections and potential violations of democratic principles. Will the elections proceed as mandated?
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan High Court demands government response to PIL on election delays.
- Former MLA Sanyam Lodha challenges the constitutionality of appointing administrators.
- Supreme Court guidelines stress elections can only be delayed under exceptional circumstances.
- The 74th Constitutional Amendment requires timely elections for local bodies.
- Concerns arise over democratic principles due to ongoing election delays.
Jaipur, April 29 (NationPress) Following the postponement of panchayat elections in Rajasthan, the state government's decision to further delay municipal body elections has been contested in the Rajasthan High Court.
A division bench led by Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Anand Sharma listened to the PIL submitted by former MLA Sanyam Lodha and instructed the state government to provide its reply within four weeks.
The petition claims that elections have not been conducted in 55 municipal bodies whose terms expired in November 2024. Instead, the government has appointed administrators — a move the petitioner argues is unconstitutional and infringes upon the Rajasthan Municipal Act of 2009.
Advocate Puneet Singhvi, representing Lodha, pointed out that the Supreme Court has determined that local body elections can only be postponed under extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters. “In this case, there is no valid justification. The government has neglected its constitutional responsibilities,” Singhvi stated.
In defense, Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, representing the state, asserted that the government is ready to conduct elections and will present a comprehensive reply in due time.
The petition also references the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which conferred constitutional status to urban local bodies and mandated timely elections to ensure democratic decentralization. It argues that even five months after the expiration of municipal terms, the state government has failed to announce election dates, breaching the constitutional requirement.
The petitioner seeks the immediate cancellation of the administrators' appointments and insists that elections be conducted without further delays.
This is not the first occurrence of election postponements in the state. Previously, elections in 6,759 Gram Panchayats scheduled for January were also delayed, with current sarpanches appointed as administrators. That decision, too, faces legal challenges and is awaiting resolution in the High Court.
The government has justified the delay in panchayat elections by citing an ongoing process of reorganization and re-demarcation, anticipated to conclude by May or June, indicating that elections are unlikely before that.
Point of View
This situation reflects a critical challenge to democratic principles in India. Timely elections are fundamental to local governance, and the ongoing delays raise concerns about transparency and accountability. Upholding constitutional mandates is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that local bodies function effectively.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue being raised in the PIL?
The PIL challenges the delay of municipal elections in Rajasthan, arguing that it violates the Rajasthan Municipal Act and the constitutional requirement for timely elections.
Who filed the PIL against the state government?
The PIL was filed by former MLA Sanyam Lodha.
What is the government's response to the PIL?
The government, represented by Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, stated that it is prepared to hold elections and will provide a detailed reply.
What does the 74th Constitutional Amendment mandate?
The 74th Constitutional Amendment mandates timely elections for urban local bodies to ensure democratic decentralization.
What other elections have been delayed in Rajasthan?
Elections in 6,759 Gram Panchayats scheduled for January were also postponed, with existing sarpanches acting as administrators.
