The Uttarakhand High Court on Monday issued an interim stay on the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections, citing a lack of clarity in the state government’s reservation policy for panchayat bodies. The order came just a day after the State Election Commission announced the poll schedule, effectively putting the entire election process on hold.
In its ruling, the court observed that the state government had failed to present a clear and consistent stance regarding reservation provisions in rural local bodies. The bench stated that due to this ambiguity, it had no option but to pause the electoral process until the matter is clarified.
The court’s intervention has disrupted the recently notified schedule for the three-tier panchayat elections. According to the original timeline announced by State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar, polling across 12 districts was set for July 10, with counting on July 19.
The process was to formally begin on June 25 with the start of nominations, which were to close on June 28. Scrutiny of nomination papers was scheduled from June 29 to July 1, and election symbols were to be allotted on July 3. Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct had also come into force.
With the court’s order now halting the election machinery, the future of the panchayat polls remains uncertain. The government is expected to respond to the court’s observations in the coming days.
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