Rajasthan HC Tells State Election Commission To Take Immediate Steps To Hold Municipality Polls

Rajasthan High Court

The Rajasthan High Court has strongly criticised the State Election Commission for the repeated delay in conducting municipal elections and has ordered immediate action to ensure the polls are held without further postponement.

Court’s Observation

A single-judge bench of Justice Anoop Dhand remarked that the Election Commission cannot act as a “silent spectator” when elections are being indefinitely delayed. The judge highlighted that such inaction is “causing a derailment of local self-governance and is against the constitutional mandate.”

The court emphasized that elections are not just a routine administrative exercise but a fundamental requirement to sustain democracy at the grassroots. By failing to fulfill its constitutional duty, the SEC is directly affecting citizens’ right to participate in self-governance.

Expiry Of Terms In Local Bodies

The bench noted that several urban local bodies across Rajasthan have already completed their terms. However, despite this, the elections have not been held within the constitutionally mandated six-month period. This prolonged delay, the court pointed out, is creating a governance vacuum in municipalities, leaving residents without properly elected representatives.

Justice Dhand underlined that constitutional provisions make it mandatory for local body elections to be conducted on time, and any deviation from this weakens the democratic structure.

Democratic Institutions Undermined

The High Court further observed that the delay in municipal elections undermines the functioning of democratic institutions. Local self-government, the court said, is one of the core principles of the Constitution, and any attempt to stall or postpone the electoral process goes against this principle.

The bench made it clear that excuses for the delay cannot override constitutional obligations. Elections must be seen as a non-negotiable process to ensure transparency, accountability, and people’s participation in governance.

Directions To The State Election Commission

In its order, the court directed the State Election Commission to take “appropriate measures” and ensure the timely conduct of the pending municipality elections. The SEC has been asked to put in place a clear roadmap and act swiftly to avoid any further disruption in democratic functioning at the local level.

By holding the SEC accountable, the High Court has sent a strong message that the sanctity of elections cannot be compromised. Citizens’ right to elect their local representatives, the court noted, is an essential part of India’s democratic framework and must be upheld without delay.