Today, On 16th September, Supreme Court slammed Maharashtra State Election Commission for delaying local body elections, saying, “Your inaction reflects incompetence.” The Court directed that all elections must be conducted by January 31, 2026, and no further extensions will be allowed.
The Supreme Court heard urgent pleas regarding the delayed local body elections in Maharashtra.
A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi addressed the issue, recalling that the Court’s May 6 order had directed the state to complete elections within four months.
Justice Surya Kant asked pointedly,
“Have elections been held? Why request extension till January?”
This highlighted the Court’s concern over the prolonged delay.
Maharashtra’s counsel informed the Court that while delimitation has been completed for Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, municipal delimitation is still ongoing.
The state also explained that for 29 municipal corporations, this would be the first simultaneous election. Out of 65,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) available, an additional 50,000 are required, and orders for these have been placed.
Justice Kant sharply remarked,
“Your inaction reflects incompetence. Explain verbally the reasons.”
The Court noted that the delay is primarily due to disputes over OBC reservation, municipal delimitation, shortage of EVMs, school exams, and unavailability of staff and officers.
However, the Supreme Court emphasized that the State Election Commission (SEC) failed to act promptly.
As a one-time concession, the Court issued strict directions for compliance: the remaining delimitation must be completed by 31.10.2025, and no further extensions will be allowed. The Court clarified that delimitation cannot be used as a reason to delay elections.
Additionally, the Court rejected the argument that school board exams in March 2026 can postpone elections.
The Chief Secretary of Maharashtra has been directed to immediately deploy all necessary staff for duties of returning officers and other supporting roles, ensuring that elections are conducted on time.
Case Title: RAHUL RAMESH WAGH V THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS. SLP(C) No. 19756/2021
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