Overview
- The High Court disposed of PILs and directed the State Election Commission and government to finish all preparatory formalities by February 28 and hold the polls by April 30.
- The court rejected the state’s six‑month deferment request, holding that the Disaster Management Act cannot override Articles 243‑E and 243‑U on completing terms with timely elections.
- Judges cited practical constraints, noting school board exams will occupy polling venues in March and census duties are slated to begin in May.
- The urgency stems from expiring terms: 50 urban local bodies end January 18 and Panchayati Raj Institutions conclude January 31, with delays risking replacement of elected bodies by administrators.
- The court told the SEC to lead coordination with departments, as the Chief Minister said the government will study the ruling and the opposition welcomed it as a check on delays.