Gauhati High Court Permits Assam Panchayat Elections

Gauhati High Court Clears Path for Assam Panchayat Elections Amid Delimitation Disputes

Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court recently addressed ongoing legal challenges surrounding the delimitation process for Gaon Panchayats in Assam. Several writ petitions alleged violations of the Assam Panchayat Act and related rules during the delimitation process. Petitioners sought interim relief to halt the process and annul the final delimitation list.

During the hearing, the court considered arguments presented by both the petitioners and state respondents, including the Advocate General and the State Election Commission. The court clarified that its orders issued on December 17, 2024, applied only to the petitioners in nine specific writ petitions. It emphasized that these orders do not extend to other pending cases.

Despite acknowledging the concerns raised, the court underscored the constitutional obligation to conduct Panchayat elections within the stipulated timeline. It also noted that several new writ petitions, raising similar issues, had been filed during the hearing. The court stated that each petition would require individual review based on its merits.

In a related development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Panchayat elections would not take place immediately. Speaking to the media, he stated, “The environment for Panchayat elections is not suitable right now.” He confirmed that elections would be conducted only after Bohag Bihu, citing the ongoing matriculation and higher secondary exams as a primary reason for the postponement.

The court’s decision to allow the election process to proceed, despite the ongoing delimitation disputes, reflects the urgency to meet constitutional mandates. However, concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the delimitation process remain a significant issue among stakeholders.

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