The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to conduct elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies before April 30, 2026, rejecting the government’s request to defer the polls for six months. The ruling came as a strong reaffirmation of the importance of democratic governance at the grassroots level, even during difficult times.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Thakur and Justice Romesh Verma issued the order while disposing of a public interest litigation filed by advocate Mandeep Chandel. The petition challenged the state government’s decision to delay the local body elections. The government had argued that recent natural disasters had caused extensive damage to roads, public infrastructure, and private property, making it difficult to hold elections. It also cited the enforcement of the Disaster Management Act in the state and sought additional time to stabilize the situation.
After hearing arguments for three consecutive days, the court was not convinced by the government’s plea. The judges ruled that postponing elections would weaken democratic institutions and directed the State Election Commission and the government to complete the entire election process within a clear timeframe.
While setting the deadline, the court took into account practical challenges such as board examinations scheduled in March, during which school buildings are typically used as polling stations. To avoid disruption to students, the court fixed the final deadline for completion of elections by the end of April, making April 30, 2026, the cut-off date.
The State Election Commission also supported the need for timely elections. It told the court that any further delay would complicate matters, as census-related duties are expected to begin in May. Moreover, conducting elections during the monsoon months of July and August would be nearly impossible due to weather and logistical constraints.
The timing of the court’s order is significant, as the current five-year term of Panchayati Raj Institutions will end on January 31, while the tenure of 50 Urban Local Bodies will conclude on January 18. Himachal Pradesh has 3,577 Gram Panchayats, 90 Panchayat Samitis, 11 Zila Parishads, and 71 Urban Local Bodies, all of which require elected representatives to ensure the smooth functioning of local administration and development work.
The opposition has welcomed the court’s intervention, having earlier accused the government of trying to avoid facing the electorate. Opposition leaders alleged that the delay was politically motivated and that the ruling party was running away from public accountability.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had previously stated that restoration and relief work following the disaster was a higher priority than holding elections. However, with the High Court now setting a binding timeline, the government and the Election Commission must move quickly to organise the polls.
The verdict has sent a clear signal that constitutional and democratic obligations cannot be suspended, even in times of crisis. As the deadline approaches, preparations for one of Himachal Pradesh’s most important democratic exercises are expected to gather pace across the state.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered that Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections be held before April 30, 2026. The state government’s plea for a six-month postponement was rejected. The State Election Commission backed the court’s view, citing census duties and the monsoon season as reasons not to delay the polls. The current terms of local bodies end in January, making timely elections essential to ensure continuity of local governance.