Thread by @LiveLawIndia

#SupremeCourt hears pleas relating to conduct of local body elections in the State of #Maharashtra

Bench: Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi

In May, the Court had passed an interim order for holding of the local body elections, which were stalled since 2022 due to litigation relating to implementation of reservation for OBCs

J Kant: Have the elections been conducted? Order was passed in May, elections were to be conducted in 4 months (by Sept end)

Maharashtra counsel: Process is underway...delimitation done...State Election Commission seeking some extension...an interim application has been filed

J Kant: Why should we grant you time till January?

A counsel: There are 29 municipal corporations...for the first time, elections being done simultaneously

J Kant: Your inaction speaks of incompetence...tell us verbally the reasons

Counsel: We have 65000 EVM machines, require 50000 more...we have placed orders.

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J Kant: This was known to you even when we passed the first order

Petitioners: Within 2 weeks, they had to notify...they are now doing everything afresh...delimitation also not finalized in several cases...reasons are festivals, board exams, staff and EVMs not available...requirement of returning officers at polling stations...in Punjab, this Court directed and elections were held immediately.

#SupremeCourt

Order: Controversy pertains to conducting of local body elections in Maharashtra. Elections could not be held primarily on account of reason that there arose dispute re: reservation for OBCs. Validity of extended reservation based upon report of Banthia Commission is subject matter of challenge. It is in this backdrop that on 6 May, this Court passed a reasoned order with following directions...it may be seen from para 5(iii) that the elections were expected to be concluded within 4 months viz. by end of this month.

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