Patna: A significant petition has been filed in the Patna High Court demanding the timely conduct of panchayat elections in Bihar. A single bench of Justice A Abhishek Reddy heard the petition filed by Mohan Prasad Chaurasia and others. After hearing arguments from all sides, the High Court has directed the state government and the State Election Commission to file a counter-affidavit clarifying their stand.

Advocates SBK Mangalam and Avnish, representing the applicants, informed the court that the petitioners approached the High Court due to dissatisfaction with the approach of the state government and the Election Commission regarding timely elections. Citing Article 243 (E) (1)(3) of the Indian Constitution and relevant sections of the Panchayati Raj Act, they demanded that the Election Commission announce elections before the expiry of the term of the previously constituted Panchayati Raj institutions.

Petitioners told the court that the term of the current Panchayati Raj institutions is nearing its end, and these bodies play a crucial role in rural development. They also argued that the State Election Commission and the state government are delaying elections citing flood conditions, despite a Supreme Court order against delaying election announcements under any circumstances. According to the petitioners, constitutional provisions cannot be ignored, as not conducting timely elections for these institutions goes against constitutional mandates.

In essence, delimitation is required before the panchayat elections, making it unlikely for polls to be held this year. The last elections were conducted between September and December 2021. It is now anticipated that the panchayat elections will take place next year, in 2027. The Panchayati Raj Department recently released an amount of 3 crore rupees for delimitation. It remains to be seen what response the government and the Election Commission will submit to the High Court.