SC extends Bengaluru civic polls deadline to December 2026

The Supreme Court extended the deadline for elections to Bengaluru's five city corporations until December 2026 after being informed that Karnataka's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is underway. The state cited manpower and logistical constraints due to the ongoing electoral roll revision

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday extended the deadline for conducting elections across five city corporations in Bengaluru to December 2026. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order after it was informed that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was underway in Karnataka.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Greater Bengaluru Authority, told the top court that the SIR exercise was ongoing in the state and the electoral rolls will be finalised in November this year. He further sought an extension in the deadline to conduct the civic body elections.

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Noting the submissions, the bench said, “In view of the fact that Karnataka is conducting SIR and the process will be completed in November, it is directed that elections of all five corporations be held in December 2026.” The top court had earlier set August 31 as the deadline for completion of the elections.

In its plea, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) had said the whole administrative machinery and human resources of the five city corporations were fully engaged in the SIR exercise.

“SIR is an extremely manpower-intensive exercise entailing house-to-house visits by the booth-level officers and also requires day-to-day involvement of the complete supervisory structure involving other officers at all levels up to District Election Officer. The GBA faces severe logistical challenges,” the plea said.