Maharashtra Civic Body Polls
The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticized the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) for failing to meet earlier deadlines to conduct local body elections.
In May 2025, the Court had directed that polls—pending since 2022—be completed by September 2025.
The new order now requires that all municipal, zila parishad, and panchayat samiti elections be finished by January 31, 2026, with no further extensions.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi stated that if additional logistical support is needed, applications must be filed before October 31, 2025.
SEC’s Request for More Time
The SEC’s counsel informed the bench that:
Town delimitation is still underway.
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are in short supply.
- School grounds—often used as polling stations—are occupied with board examinations.
- Because of these hurdles, the SEC sought more time to complete preparations.
Court’s Directions
- The Supreme Court ordered the SEC to:
- Submit staff requirements to the Chief Secretary within two weeks.
- Ensure the Chief Secretary, after consulting other department heads, provides the necessary personnel within four weeks.
- File a compliance affidavit by November 30, 2025, detailing the availability of EVMs.
The Court also noted that several petitions challenging delimitation, ward reservations, and other election-related matters are currently pending before different benches of the Bombay High Court.
