Maharashtra: Local Body Elections Delayed Again; Supreme Court Hearing Postponed To February 25
Maharashtra: Local Body Elections Delayed Again; Supreme Court Hearing Postponed To February 25
New Delhi/Pune: The much-awaited local body elections in Maharashtra have been further delayed as the Supreme Court hearing on the matter has been postponed to February 25. The elections will be scheduled only after a decision is made on that day.
Key issues, including the number of members in municipal corporations and other local governing bodies, ward structure, and whether the State Election Commission or the state government should decide these parameters, remain unresolved. Additionally, the inclusion of OBC (Other Backward Classes) reservations in these elections is also under legal scrutiny.
Advocate Devdatt, representing the municipal corporation, stated, “The matter of OBC reservation is being challenged. Though the issue of political reservation for OBCs has been clarified, it still requires detailed examination by the court. Initially, February 5 was set for the hearing, but due to the Delhi elections, it has been postponed to February 25.”
Courtroom Developments:
Advocate Devdatt shared insights into the court proceedings, mentioning that both sides were asked how much time they would need for the hearing. “We are prepared, and it won’t take more than half an hour from our side. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, also indicated that the arguments would not exceed an hour.”
Elections Likely in April-May:
According to Advocate Siddharth Shinde, the court assured a swift hearing on February 25. “If the decision is favorable and the current status quo is lifted, the elections might take place by April or May,” he added.
The delay in resolving these matters means local body elections, including those for municipal corporations, continue to remain in limbo, leaving citizens waiting for a resolution.
