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Jharkhand HC Demands Answers: Why Municipal Elections Remain Stalled

The Jharkhand High Court is demanding answers about the long-delayed municipal elections. It has asked the State Election Commission to provide a clear timeline for when voting will actually happen. There's a back-and-forth between the government and SEC about missing paperwork needed to finalize seat reservations. The court will hear this case again later this month to check on progress.

Key Points: Jharkhand High Court Questions SEC on Delayed Municipal Polls

  • Court seeks specific timeline for municipal elections from State Election Commission
  • Government claims triple test report submitted but SEC needs more data
  • SEC requires three months to conduct polls after receiving complete reports
  • Contempt petition filed over unfulfilled January 2024 election order
2 min read

Jharkhand HC seeks clarity from SEC on pending municipal elections

Jharkhand High Court directs State Election Commission to provide election timeline amid prolonged municipal poll delays across 48 urban local bodies.

"The Commission would require approximately three months to complete the election process once the report is submitted. - Advocate Sumeet Gadodia"

Ranchi, Nov 10

The Jharkhand High Court on Monday asked the State Election Commission (SEC) to specify when elections to municipal corporations and urban local bodies will be held in the state.

It also asked the Commission to submit a report outlining the proposed timeline for holding elections.

A bench led by Justice Ananda Sen issued the directive while hearing a contempt petition over the prolonged delay in conducting municipal elections in the state.

The court also sought an explanation from the SEC regarding the reasons for the delay and the steps required from the state government to expedite the process.

The matter will next be heard on November 24.

During the hearing on Monday, Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan, representing the government, informed the court that the government has submitted the report of the ‘triple test’ exercise for reservation of seats for backward classes in municipal bodies to the SEC.

He said the SEC had sought additional details, including ward-wise reservation data and updated population figures, which the government would provide soon, after which the election notification would be issued.

However, advocate Sumeet Gadodia, appearing for the SEC, stated that a complete and clear report on seat reservations has not yet been received from the government.

He said the Commission would require approximately three months to complete the election process once the report is submitted.

The contempt petition was filed by former Ranchi Municipal Corporation councillor Roshni Khalkho and another petitioner, Reena Kumari, seeking compliance with the High Court’s earlier order directing the timely conduct of municipal polls.

On January 4, 2024, the court had ordered that elections to all municipal bodies be held within three weeks -- an order that remains unfulfilled.

Jharkhand has 48 urban local bodies. Elections in 12 of them have been pending since June 2020, while the terms of the remaining bodies expired in April 2023.

No municipal election has taken place in the state since 2023.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This blame game between government and SEC is frustrating. Both sides need to work together for democracy. Common citizens are suffering without local governance. The "triple test" process seems to be taking forever!
A
Arjun K
Good to see the High Court taking this seriously. January order was clear - elections within 3 weeks. Now it's November and still no elections. This delay affects development work in cities. 🏙️
S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for proper reservation processes, the delays seem excessive. Three months after receiving the report? That timeline could be optimized. Respectfully, both institutions need to be more efficient in serving citizens.
V
Vikram M
No elections since 2023 is unacceptable in a democracy. Basic civic amenities are suffering. Hope the November 24 hearing brings concrete dates. Citizens of Jharkhand deserve better.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the legal process unfolding here. The contempt petition seems to be the right approach when government bodies don't comply with court orders. Hope this sets a precedent for other states facing similar delays.

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