Telangana High Court Questions State Election Commission’s Failure to Conduct Gram Panchayat Polls

The Telangana High Court reserved its verdict on writ petitions seeking urgent conduct of gram panchayat elections. Justice T Madhavi Devi criticized the delay and questioned the State Election Commission and government

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice T Madhavi Devi of the Telangana High Court on Monday took serious note of the State Election Commission’s failure to conduct elections to Gram Panchayats across the state, despite the expiry of their term, and reserved orders on a batch of writ petitions seeking directions to hold the polls without further delay.

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The petitioners challenged the inaction of the authorities, particularly the State Election Commission, in conducting elections to the Gram Panchayats, whose term expired on January 31, 2024. They argued that the delay violates Articles 243E and 243K of the Constitution, as well as provisions of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018.

During the hearing, the petitioners contended that there is a constitutional obligation to conduct elections to panchayat bodies before the end of their term, or at the latest within six months thereafter. Failure to do so, they said, renders the statutory provisions ineffective and deprives citizens of local self-governance.

In response, the State government submitted that the ongoing caste census survey in Telangana had not yet been completed and sought more time to finalize the necessary arrangements. The State Election Commission also sought a 60-day extension to conduct the elections, citing procedural formalities and the need to coordinate with the survey.

Justice Madhavi Devi questioned both the government and the Commission over their failure to conduct the elections within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. She noted that earlier assurances were given that the elections would be held by February, and expressed concern over the continued inaction even six months later.

After hearing submissions from all parties, the Court reserved its verdict.