HC Reserves Verdict On Local Body Elections

The Telangana High Court today asked the State government to clarify whether Gram Panchayat (local body) elections would be held in the coming days.

The court asked why the government had failed to conduct the elections in February this year despite saying that it would.

The High Court heard six petitions filed by former sarpanches from Nalgonda district regarding the delay in conducting the local body elections.

The term of office for sarpanches in Telangana ended on February 1, 2024, while the term of MPTC members ended on July 5, 2024. The petitioners alleged that the State government was deliberately delaying the elections, which according to the rules needed to be conducted within six months of the term of the previous official expiring.

Arguments from all sides - the petitioners, the State government and the Election Commission - were presented, following which the High Court reserved its verdict on the matter.

During the hearing, the State government sought a 30-day deadline to complete the reservation and ward delimitation process, while the State Election Commission requested 60 days to conduct the elections once clearance was given. However, the petitioners' counsel pointed out that the government had already committed to holding the elections in February but taken no concrete steps in that direction. This prompted the court to question the government on the delay.

There is speculation that the government is intentionally stalling the elections. Remarks made by State ministers on the issue are also adding to political interest. In this context, the High Court's verdict is highly anticipated. If the court considers the timelines requested by the government and the Election Commission, the local body elections are likely to be held only after August.