Chandigarh, 15 January 2025: The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the Punjab State Election Commission for failing to conduct municipal elections for over four years, leaving nominated functionaries in charge of municipal bodies in violation of constitutional provisions.
A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh described the situation as a breach of Article 243-U, which mandates elections before the conclusion of an elected body’s term. The Bench termed the delay as “shocking” and incompatible with democratic principles.
The court’s remarks came during a public interest petition filed by advocate Bhisham Kinger against the state and other respondents.
“The constitutional mandate to ensure timely elections has been blatantly disregarded, allowing nominated officials to manage municipal bodies for the past four to five years,” the judges stated.
During the proceedings, the counsel for the State Election Commission attributed the delay to incomplete electoral roll updates in Talwara, Dera Baba Nanak, and Tarn Taran.
However, the Bench rejected this justification, stating, “The reason assigned by the State Election Commission cannot be accepted.”
The court directed the State Election Commissioner to submit an affidavit specifying an exact timeline for conducting the elections. It warned that if the directive was not adhered to, the Commissioner would have to appear virtually before the court on January 17 to provide an explanation.
