Rajasthan High Court Slams Government Over Unacceptable Delays in Local Body Elections

In a powerful rebuke underscoring the foundational principles of democracy, the Rajasthan High Court has severely criticized the state government for its persistent and unexplained delays in conducting elections for municipal corporations and other vital local bodies. This scathing condemnation comes after an alarming period of over three years during which these crucial institutions have operated without elected representatives, instead being managed by government-appointed administrators.

The court's stance is clear: such prolonged deferment of elections is not merely an administrative oversight, but a direct affront to the constitutional mandate and the democratic rights of the citizens.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Bhuwan Goyal, expressed profound displeasure over the state of affairs.

They highlighted that fundamental constitutional provisions, specifically Article 243-U and Article 243-E, explicitly stipulate that local bodies must hold elections before the expiry of their five-year terms. These articles are not suggestions, but commands designed to ensure continuous democratic governance at the grassroots level.

The court lamented that the government’s inaction has effectively sidestepped these crucial directives, leaving a vacuum where elected voices should be.

A particularly jarring revelation during the proceedings was the absence of a State Election Commissioner for an entire year. This official is indispensable for the planning, execution, and oversight of local body elections.

The High Court issued an unequivocal directive to the state government, demanding the immediate appointment of a State Election Commissioner. This appointment is seen as a critical first step towards rectifying the current democratic deficit and ensuring that election processes can recommence without further impediment.

The court's judgment didn't stop at mere criticism; it provided a clear roadmap for action.

It directed the state to promptly hold elections for all 129 local bodies where terms have already expired. This mandate specifically includes significant urban centers like the Jaipur Heritage and Jaipur Greater municipal corporations, which have been without elected leadership for an extended period.

The emphasis was firmly placed on the constitutional imperative that elections must be concluded within six months from the date of dissolution of a local body, a timeframe that has been egregiously violated in numerous instances.

This judicial intervention serves as a powerful reminder of the judiciary's role in safeguarding democratic processes.

The High Court's firm stand underscores that the right to elect local representatives is not a privilege, but a fundamental aspect of India's democratic framework. The upcoming hearing on November 1 will be closely watched, as it will reveal the government's response to this severe judicial reprimand and the concrete steps it intends to take to restore democratic functionality to Rajasthan's local bodies.