Supreme Court Orders Maharashtra to Hold Municipal, Panchayat Elections Within 4 Months
New Delhi, 6th May 2025: In a major push to revive grassroots democracy in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to announce the schedule for local body elections within four months. The polls, pending in several districts for up to five years, have drawn criticism for undermining democratic governance.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh issued the directive, emphasizing that elections to local bodies cannot be delayed indefinitely due to administrative or legal issues. The court noted that such prolonged delays violate constitutional mandates and weaken local self-governance.
The bench also clarified the contentious issue of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), directing the SEC to follow the quota system that existed prior to the 2022 Banthia Commission report. This move is aimed at preventing further delays arising from disputes over the report’s implementation.
The top court instructed that the entire election process—from notification to conclusion—should ideally be completed within four months. However, the SEC may seek an extension if it faces unavoidable and well-documented obstacles.
The Supreme Court’s order follows growing concerns over the lack of elected representatives in municipalities and panchayats across Maharashtra. The absence of elected local bodies has reportedly hampered governance and accountability, prompting citizen groups and activists to move the court.
