The Rajasthan High Court has made a significant decision regarding the delays in Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections. Contempt petitions against the state government and the State Election Commission have been dismissed, with the court emphasizing that elections must be finalized by July 31. This ruling relieves the government and the Election Commission from contempt charges but also stresses the need to meet the July 31 deadline.
The issue dates back to November 2025 when the High Court directed the state government to finish delimitation and ward demarcation by December 31, 2025, and conduct elections by April 15, 2026. Due to delays, contempt petitions were filed by former MLA Sanyam Lodha and Girraj Singh Devanda, alleging non-compliance with court orders. The court had previously issued notices to the State Election Commission in response.
During the recent hearing, the state government’s Advocate General clarified that there was no deliberate intent to delay elections. Challenges in meeting the April 15 deadline were attributed to pending processes, including delays related to the OBC Representation Commission’s report. The court acknowledged a revised deadline of July 31 set during the main writ proceedings, rendering the earlier contempt petitions irrelevant.
The OBC reservation issue remains pivotal in the electoral process, with delays linked to determining OBC reservation in Panchayat and local body seats. The High Court instructed the OBC Commission to submit an interim report by June 20, emphasizing that if the report is delayed, the Election Commission must proceed with elections by July 31, treating OBC-reserved seats as General category seats. Attention is now focused on the OBC Commission’s report and the Election Commission’s efforts to comply with the court’s directives.
