HC Seeks Report on Delayed Punjab Municipal Elections

Punjab : The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Punjab State Election Commission to submit an affidavit outlining measures taken to conduct delayed municipal elections in Talwara, Tarn Taran, and Dera Baba Nanak. The directive follows concerns over adherence to the Supreme Court’s November 11, 2024, order mandating elections within eight weeks.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh, emphasized that the timeline for conducting elections might have been breached. A dispute arose over whether the timeline starts from November 22, 2024, the date of notification under Section 13-A of the Punjab Municipal Act, or from the publication of the election programme.

The court criticized Punjab’s inaction, highlighting the failure to seek an extension from the Supreme Court. It also expressed dissatisfaction over nominated functionaries managing municipal bodies for the past four to five years.

Acknowledging the state’s notification under Section 13-A of the Act, the Bench advised waiting for further steps by the Election Commission. Meanwhile, the court reiterated the urgency of adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive to restore electoral processes in Punjab’s municipalities.

The petition, filed by advocate Bhisham Kinger, underscores public concerns over delays in municipal governance.