New Delhi: The much-awaited local body elections in Maharashtra have been delayed once again as the state government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, sought additional time in the Supreme Court. This move has created confusion among petitioners on both sides. The court has directed the submission of necessary documents before proceeding with the next hearing. As a result, the elections are now likely to be held only after the monsoon season.
A hearing on the matter was conducted in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. However, no final decision was reached. With the upcoming Holi break from March 9 to 16, the court will schedule a new date for the hearing after the vacation. If the hearing does not take place immediately, the matter could get further delayed due to the court’s summer recess.
Elections for several municipal corporations, including Mumbai and Pune, as well as district councils and panchayat samitis, have been pending for the past three to four years. While it was expected that local body elections would follow the recently concluded Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the delay in court proceedings has once again pushed them back.
The delay is primarily due to petitions filed in the Supreme Court regarding OBC reservations and ward restructuring. Both the state government and petitioners want the elections to be held, but disagreements over certain issues have led to legal complications. With no immediate resolution in sight, the local body elections in Maharashtra remain uncertain.
