The Rajasthan High Court on Monday, 11 May 2025, expressed strong displeasure over the state government's failure to conduct Panchayat and local body elections within the stipulated timeframe, observing that sufficient time had already been granted but the polls were still being repeatedly postponed. A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit reserved its verdict after hearing arguments in the matter.

Government's Reasons for Delay

Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, appearing for the state government, told the court that the election process had been delayed due to conflicting High Court rulings concerning internal ward delimitation in local body elections. He further stated that elections could not be conducted since the report regarding OBC reservations had not yet been submitted by the Commission.

The government also cited extreme weather conditions as a reason for seeking postponement, arguing that Rajasthan experiences severe heatwaves during June while the monsoon season begins in July, making election management difficult. The High Court, however, rejected this argument, observing that the people of Rajasthan are accustomed to such weather conditions.

Court's Observations

The Bench questioned the government specifically over the delay in conducting Panchayat elections, noting that its earlier directions had been primarily related to local body elections. The judges asked why Panchayat polls had also not been held within the prescribed timeframe. The court further observed that no clear information had been placed before it regarding the functioning and status of the OBC Commission, remarking that had the Commission's position been properly clarified, appropriate directions could have been issued to it as well.

Petitioners Allege Constitutional Crisis

Counsel for the petitioners accused the government of intentionally delaying the elections. Advocate Puneet Singhvi argued that the government lacked the intention to hold the polls, resulting in a constitutional crisis in the state, where administrators and officials were functioning in place of elected representatives in Panchayats and local bodies.

Advocate Premchand Devanda informed the court that the tenure of thousands of Panchayats had already expired and alleged that elections had been continuously delayed for nearly one-and-a-half years. Meanwhile, former MLAs Sanyam Lodha and Giriraj Devanda have filed a contempt petition against the Election Commission over non-compliance with the court's directions.

Background and Earlier Directions

On 14 November 2025, while deciding 439 petitions, the Rajasthan High Court had directed the government to conduct Panchayat and local body elections by 15 April 2026. The court had also ordered completion of the delimitation process by 31 December 2025. The Supreme Court had similarly emphasised the importance of timely elections. However, both the state government and the State Election Commission have now sought an extension from the High Court.

In its application, the government cited logistical constraints including the pending OBC Commission report, availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), staff shortages, and other administrative requirements. The government also argued that conducting elections after the expiry of all terms would strengthen the concept of