photo used for indicative purpose only.
Himachal Panchayat Elections Delay ends as Govt withdraws Disaster Management Act order after Supreme Court direction
Shimla, March 5,
Affecting grassroots governance across Himachal Pradesh, the state government has withdrawn the order issued under the Disaster Management Act (DMA) that had postponed Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) and urban local body elections, clearing the way for the long-pending polls.
The order, originally issued on October 8, 2025, had deferred elections citing connectivity disruption in several parts of the state following natural calamities. The Disaster Management Cell of the Revenue Department had invoked provisions of the DMA to justify the postponement.
However, nearly six months later, the state government has now revoked the notification after the situation was assessed to have largely returned to normal. The fresh order withdrawing the earlier directive was issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta.
The decision assumes significance as it comes amid judicial scrutiny over the delay in conducting elections to local bodies in the state.
Earlier, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had directed the state government to complete all processes related to the reorganisation of Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies by February 28, 2026, and to conduct elections within eight weeks thereafter.
Also read:Supreme Court extends Himachal Panchayat, ULB poll deadline to May 31, 2026
Himachal Panchayat Elections Delay
The matter subsequently reached the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition filed by the state government.
While partly allowing the petition on February 13, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission, Panchayati Raj Department, Urban Development Department and the State Disaster Management Authority to jointly complete all pending processes by March 31, 2026. The apex court further directed that the entire election process must be completed before May 31, 2026.
With the withdrawal of the DMA order, the administrative hurdle delaying elections has now been formally removed.
Himachal Panchayat Elections Delay
The five-year tenure of Panchayats across Himachal Pradesh had ended on January 31, while the term of elected representatives in 47 municipal bodies expired earlier on January 17.
Due to the delay in elections, administrators had been appointed in all Panchayats and more than 47 urban local bodies across the state to oversee governance.
Observers note that prolonged administration through appointed officials instead of elected representatives is generally viewed as undesirable for democratic functioning at the grassroots level.
With the DMA notification now revoked and the Supreme Court deadline in place, the state machinery is expected to accelerate preparations for the conduct of Panchayat and municipal elections in the coming months.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
