Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Feb 4,
The Himachal Pradesh Government has approached the Supreme Court by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) seeking a stay on the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s directive to conduct Panchayat and urban local body elections within a fixed timeline — a move that has triggered a fresh political confrontation in the state.
Confirming the development, Secretary (Information) C PaulRasu stated that the State Government has challenged the High Court’s order and sought legal clarity on whether elections can be held while the National Disaster Management Act (DMA) continues to remain in force due to prevailing disaster-related conditions.
The High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), had directed the State Election Commission to finalise reservation rosters by February 28 and ensure that Panchayat and municipal elections are conducted before April 30. The court had observed that elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions must be completed before the expiry of their five-year term, which ends on January 31, 2026, and expressed concern over the delay in initiating the electoral process.
State Government’s Stand
In its petition before the apex court, the State Government has argued that the High Court’s directions did not adequately account for ground realities, particularly disrupted connectivity in several parts of the state and the continued enforcement of the Disaster Management Act.
The government has maintained that while Panchayat elections are governed under the State Panchayati Raj Act, disaster management is a subject legislated by Parliament, and the DMA continues to be applicable in Himachal Pradesh in view of recurring disaster conditions.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had earlier termed the High Court’s order as “arbitrary with regards to DMA,” stating that public safety remains the top priority of the government.
As per official records, elections are due in 3,577 Panchayats and 73 urban local bodies across Himachal Pradesh. The tenure of Panchayats ended on January 31, 2026, while the term of 47 urban local bodies expired on January 18, 2026.
The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter shortly. The outcome could directly impact the schedule of local body elections in the state.
BJP hits back
Reacting sharply, BJP leader and Solan MLA Randhir Sharma accused the Congress government of attempting to derail the democratic process.
Sharma said that moving the Supreme Court to delay Panchayati Raj elections “clearly proves that the Congress government does not want to hold elections and is afraid of facing the people.”
He argued that the Constitution mandates that elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions, urban local bodies, the Assembly, and Parliament must be conducted within five years, calling it a democratic responsibility.
The BJP leader alleged that the Sukhu government had earlier clashed with the State Election Commission, ignored notifications, and attempted to weaken the electoral process. He further claimed that even after the High Court directed elections to be held by April 30, 2026, the government continued to resist implementation.
According to Sharma, the Congress government has failed to fulfil its electoral guarantees and has been unable to deliver major developmental initiatives in the past three years, which, he alleged, is the reason behind attempts to postpone elections.
He also criticised the appointment of administrators in place of elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, terming the move “undemocratic” and against constitutional principles.
The BJP has demanded immediate conduct of elections to ensure that citizens can exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives.
What’s at Stake?
With thousands of grassroots institutions awaiting elections, the legal and political battle now shifts to the Supreme Court. The case raises a significant constitutional question — whether disaster management considerations can override constitutionally mandated electoral timelines.
For now, the future of Panchayat and urban local body elections in Himachal Pradesh hinges on the apex court’s verdict.
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.
