Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
New Delhi/Shimla, Feb 13,
Seemingly a relief to the Himachal Pradesh Government, the Supreme Court of India on Friday (https://www.sci.gov.in) has extended the timeline for conducting elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies across the State, directing that the entire election process be completed on or before May 31, 2026.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi allowed the State’s Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging an earlier directive of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which had fixed April 30, 2026, as the deadline for completing the polls. Also read:<After HC ruling on Panchayat elections, CM Sukhu flags disaster act conflict/p>
Reservation roster by March 31
While granting partial relief, the apex court made it clear that the reservation roster must be finalised and implemented by March 31, 2026. The High Court had earlier directed the State to publish the reservation roster by February 28 and conclude elections before April 30.
The Supreme Court’s order effectively grants the State an additional month beyond the High Court’s timeline but underlines that elections cannot be indefinitely postponed.
State cites snowfall, connectivity disruptions
During the hearing, the State Government submitted that severe winter conditions, heavy snowfall, road blockages and disaster-related disruptions in remote and tribal regions had made adherence to the High Court’s schedule practically difficult.
The petition argued that the Division Bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court did not provide adequate time for completing the legally mandated reservation process. Connectivity constraints in snow-bound districts were cited as a major logistical hurdle in carrying out ground-level electoral preparations.
Disaster management act question raised
The State also raised a legal question regarding the continuing applicability of the Disaster Management Act in Himachal Pradesh and whether temporary deferment of elections could be justified under extraordinary circumstances.
It pointed to a potential overlap between provisions of the Central Disaster Management Act and the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj framework, seeking clarity on the extent of permissible flexibility during notified disaster conditions.
No indefinite delay, Court signals
While accepting the State’s submissions to a limited extent, the Supreme Court maintained that democratic processes must proceed within a reasonable timeframe. By extending the schedule but fixing a clear outer deadline of May 31, 2026, the Court balanced administrative realities with constitutional obligations.
The matter was listed before the Bench under fresh civil cases, and the interlocutory application filed by the State was disposed of after granting leave.
With this order, the focus now shifts to the State Election Commission to adhere strictly to the revised calendar and ensure completion of the reservation exercise within the March 31 deadline.
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.
