The Rajasthan High Court criticized the state government for repeatedly postponing Panchayat and local body elections despite having ample time. The court, led by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit, reserved its verdict after hearing arguments. The government and State Election Commission sought more time due to issues like conflicting High Court rulings on ward delimitation and pending OBC reservation reports.
The court questioned the government’s delay in conducting Panchayat elections, emphasizing that previous directions mainly focused on local body elections. It also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity on the OBC Commission’s status. The government’s argument of extreme weather conditions causing election postponement was rejected by the court, stating that Rajasthan residents are accustomed to such conditions.
Advocates accused the government of intentionally stalling elections, leading to a constitutional crisis with expired Panchayat tenures. The High Court had earlier directed elections to be held by April 15, 2026, and completion of delimitation by December 31, 2025. Despite this, both the government and Election Commission sought an extension, prompting a contempt petition from former MLAs. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on May 18.
