The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to conduct Panchayat and local body elections by July 31, 2026. The government and the State Election Commission had requested the elections be postponed until December, but the court did not accept this.
The division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma had reserved its decision after completing the hearing on May 11, and the order has now been issued.
Earlier, on November 14, 2025, while hearing 439 petitions, the High Court directed the state government to hold Panchayat and local body elections by April 15, 2026. After the elections were not held within the stipulated timeframe, the government requested an extension from the court.
During the hearing, the government stated that the OBC Commission’s report had not yet been received, and the availability of essential resources, including schools, staff, and EVMs, remained a challenge. This made it impossible to hold elections on time.
The government also argued that the terms of many Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads were expiring between September and December. Therefore, holding elections later would promote the concept of “One State, One Election.”
The State Election Commission also supported the government’s position, telling the High Court that it was difficult to hold elections before OBC reservations were finalized.
At the same time, it was said on behalf of the petitioners that the government has been deliberately postponing the elections for the last one and a half years.