The Supreme Court has ordered the Maharashtra poll panel to announce local body elections within four weeks. OBC reservation will follow rules as they existed before the 2022 report, says the top court.
New Delhi: On May 6 The Supreme Court of India has directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) to announce the schedule for local body elections in the state within the next four weeks.
This decision came from a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh on Tuesday. The court made it clear that the issue of OBC (Other Backward Classes) reservation in local body elections should be treated the same way it was before the 2022 report.
The bench emphasized the urgency of the matter and laid down a timeline for completing the election process. It instructed the Maharashtra SEC to ensure that the local body elections are finished within four months.
However, the court has also provided flexibility, allowing the SEC to request additional time if needed in genuine and appropriate situations.
The judges said,
“We direct the Maharashtra State Election Commission to notify elections to the local bodies within four weeks from today.”
Further, they added,
“The issue of OBC reservation in local body elections shall be as it existed prior to the 2022 report.”
They also mentioned,
“The SEC shall conclude the election process within a period of four months.”
Importantly, the court noted that there is scope for extension if justified and stated,
“Liberty is granted to the SEC to seek further time in appropriate cases.”
This decision is important as it pushes the Maharashtra government and the SEC to act quickly on conducting long-pending elections in local governing bodies such as municipal corporations, councils, and panchayats, which have been delayed partly due to the debate over OBC reservation policies.
By fixing a clear deadline and giving flexibility only in deserving cases, the Supreme Court has tried to balance both constitutional obligations and practical difficulties.
The court’s direction comes after prolonged legal and political discussions regarding how OBC reservations should be applied in these elections.
The issue became more complex after a 2022 report that affected the existing reservation structure.
But now, the Supreme Court has made it clear that until there is any valid and updated data or decision, the reservations must follow the rules as they existed before the 2022 developments.
This ruling by the apex court is expected to bring clarity to the election process and ensure proper representation through timely elections.
It also reinforces the constitutional importance of holding elections in time, without unnecessary delays.
With this order, the ball is now in the court of the Maharashtra State Election Commission, which must act swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction and begin preparations for the local body elections.
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