Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to conduct three-tier Panchayat elections within three months.
A division bench comprising Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Garima Prashad directed both the State Government and the State Election Commission to complete and hold the Gram Panchayat elections within a 3-month timeframe.
The court allowed outgoing Gram Pradhans to temporarily continue serving as administrators during the transition period, after previously questioning the constitutionality of indefinite term extensions and the delay in conducting timely polls under Article 243E of the Constitution.
In related hearings (such as the petition by Arvind Rathor), the court pressed the state administration to submit proper data, details regarding the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation commission, and a clear schedule for the poll process.
The Lucknow bench of the High Court also advised the state to begin preparations for local body elections at least two years in advance of term expirations to prevent missing constitutional deadlines.
