The apex court sets a deadline for polls and directs that OBC reservation rules go back to pre-2022 norms.
New Delhi, May 6 — The Supreme Court has given a clear directive to the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC): announce local body election dates within the next four weeks. This strong order comes amid ongoing delays and debates over OBC (Other Backward Classes) reservation in local governance.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh made the ruling, stating that the elections — including for municipal corporations, councils, and panchayats — must be completed within four months. The judges stressed the importance of timely elections and warned against any further delay.
Crucially, the court ruled that OBC reservations in these elections must follow the system that existed before the 2022 report, which had disrupted the earlier framework. The court’s message is clear: until fresh and legally valid data is available, the earlier rules will apply.
“We direct the Maharashtra State Election Commission to notify elections to the local bodies within four weeks from today,” the bench said.
The court did, however, allow some flexibility. If the SEC faces genuine hurdles, it can approach the court for more time.
This verdict is seen as a major push to resolve the long-pending issue of local body elections in Maharashtra. Many of these elections have been on hold due to the lack of clarity over reservation policies and administrative delays.
Legal experts believe the Supreme Court has struck a balance — ensuring that elections are not endlessly postponed, while also recognizing that certain complications may require extra time.
With this latest order, the responsibility now lies with the SEC to act promptly and set the election process in motion. Citizens across Maharashtra will be watching closely, as these elections play a critical role in grassroots governance and representation.
