Rajasthan HC summons State Election Commissioner over delay in local body, Panchayat polls

Jaipur, July 15 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the stance of the state government and the State Election Commission concerning the failure to conduct Panchayat and local body elections on schedule.

During the hearing on Wednesday, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit stated unequivocally that if the State Election Commission is incapable of conducting the elections, the court might consider entrusting the responsibility to another competent person.

During the proceedings, the court sternly warned the government against creating situations that would compel it to issue harsh orders. The court also questioned the functioning of the State Election Commission and the OBC Commission, orally remarking that if responsible officials are unable to discharge their duties, competent individuals should be entrusted with the responsibility instead.

Given the gravity of the matter, the High Court has directed the state’s Chief Election Commissioner, Rajeshwar Singh, and the Member Secretary of the OBC Commission to appear personally before the court on Thursday.

The court has also asked both officials to explain why previous court orders had not been complied with. During the hearing, Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, representing the state government, informed the court that ensuring Other Backward Class (OBC) representation in Panchayat and local body elections is essential. He stated that the government is not disregarding court orders; however, the classification of reservations could not be finalised due to the absence of the OBC Commission’s report.

The government requested the court to grant a final opportunity to proceed with the election process, noting that the Commission has assured that it would submit the report by August 14.

Meanwhile, Advocate Puneet Singhvi, representing the petitioner and former MLA Sanyam Lodha, opposed the government’s arguments. He pointed out that the High Court had already clarified in its May 22 order that elections cannot be halted while waiting for the OBC Commission’s report if it is not submitted on time.

Despite this, postponing the elections by citing the Commission’s report constitutes contempt of court. Advocate Premchand Devanda, representing another petitioner, Giriraj Singh Devanda, also questioned the government’s application. He stated that conducting Panchayat and local body elections is the constitutional responsibility of the State Election Commission under Article 243(K) of the Constitution. He argued that the Commission has completely failed to comply with the court’s directives.

It is noteworthy that the Rajasthan High Court has previously issued directives to the government and the State Election Commission to conduct Panchayat and local body elections. The court had initially ordered the elections to be held by April 15.

Later, upon the government’s request for more time, the court granted relief and directed that the election process be completed by July 31 without fail. Additionally, the court had ordered the OBC Commission to submit its report by June 20. Now, taking a strict stance over the non-compliance with these instructions, the High Court has summoned the concerned officials and sought a response.

–IANS

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