The Rajasthan High Court has instructed the State Election Commission to promptly announce the schedule for Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections within five days. The court warned of potential contempt proceedings due to delays in complying with previous orders. Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit emphasized the urgency of setting the election timeline.
State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh and the OBC Commission’s Member Secretary appeared before the court during the hearing. The Bench also directed the state government to specify the deadline for submitting the OBC Commission’s report and conducting the seat reservation lottery by Monday. Expressing dissatisfaction with the delays, the court questioned the Election Commissioner on the reasons behind the procrastination.
The Election Commissioner assured the court of the Commission’s readiness to conduct the polls once the government provides the necessary reservation classification. He mentioned that the election process could commence within two days of receiving the lottery results from the government. The court highlighted the extended delay in the OBC Commission’s report, which was established on May 9, 2025, for a three-month term, seeking an explanation for the prolonged inaction.
The High Court had previously mandated the completion of the Panchayat and Urban Local Body election process by July 31, 2026, in an order dated May 22. However, the election procedures are yet to commence, prompting the court’s intervention. The court reiterated the constitutional importance of timely local body elections and warned of potential external oversight if the Election Commission fails to fulfill its duties.
