Has the Jharkhand HC Put Pressure on the Government for Local Body Poll Dates?
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court has taken a firm stand against the government's delays in scheduling local body elections, demanding recommendations within three weeks. This comes amid ongoing concerns over compliance with the Supreme Court's criteria for OBC reservations, highlighting the urgency for electoral accountability in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Jharkhand High Court demands prompt action for local body elections.
- Delays are attributed to OBC reservation determinations.
- The court emphasizes the need for government accountability.
- State officials must appear in court for further hearings.
- Public trust hinges on timely democratic processes.
Ranchi, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court expressed significant displeasure on Tuesday regarding the state government's persistent delays in conducting elections for municipal corporations and other urban local bodies.
The court mandated that the government must provide its recommendations to the State Election Commission (SEC) concerning the local body elections within a three-week timeframe.
This directive was issued during the hearing of a contempt petition, presided over by Justice Ananda Sen.
In attendance were Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Home Secretary Vandana Dadel, Urban Development Principal Secretary Sunil Kumar, and Additional Secretary Gyanendra Kumar.
State Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan explained that the delay was primarily due to the time required to ascertain the reservation percentage for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in municipal bodies, adhering to the Supreme Court’s triple test criteria.
According to him, the survey for the triple test has been completed, and the report will soon be submitted to the Cabinet. Once approved, the government will forward its recommendations to the SEC to commence the election process.
Nonetheless, the court underscored that the government cannot indefinitely postpone the elections under the pretense of the triple test process, calling for immediate action.
Advocate Sumit Gadodia, representing the SEC, requested three months to conduct the elections, a plea the court denied. It instructed the Commission to clarify at the next hearing how quickly it can administer the elections once the government’s recommendation is received.
The court also required the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Urban Development Secretary to be personally present at the subsequent hearing, set for November 10.
Earlier, on January 4, 2024, the same bench had instructed the state government to ensure all municipal body elections were held within three weeks, prompted by a petition from Roshni Khalkho, an outgoing councillor of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation.
Due to the non-implementation of that order, Khalkho filed a contempt petition, which is currently under consideration.
Jharkhand has a total of 48 urban local bodies, among which 12 have had elections pending since June 2020. The remaining bodies concluded their terms in April 2023, but elections have yet to be scheduled.
Point of View
This situation in Jharkhand highlights the critical need for timely elections and adherence to democratic processes. The High Court's involvement illustrates the judiciary's role in ensuring governmental accountability, a principle that is vital for maintaining public trust and democratic integrity in governance.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Jharkhand High Court involved in local body elections?
The court is addressing delays by the state government in conducting elections for municipal corporations and urban local bodies, mandating swift action.
What is the triple test criteria for OBC reservations?
The triple test criteria is a Supreme Court guideline meant to ensure fair representation of Other Backward Classes in local governance.
What action did the court take regarding the elections?
The court directed the state government to recommend election dates within three weeks and emphasized the urgency of the matter.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is scheduled for November 10, where key officials must be present to address the court's concerns.
How many urban local bodies are there in Jharkhand?
Jharkhand has a total of 48 urban local bodies, with elections pending in several since June 2020.
