Shimla, April 7: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dealt a significant blow to the state government by imposing an interim stay on the powers granted to deputy commissioners to reserve 5% of seats in the upcoming panchayat elections. The court deemed this provision prima facie unconstitutional, stating that any reservation list prepared under this provision will not be implemented.
A bench comprising Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Ranjan Sharma directed all deputy commissioners across the districts to finalize and implement the reservation list for the panchayat elections by 5 PM on April 7. A detailed order is awaited.
Advocate Nand Lal, representing the petitioner, argued that the government’s decision was arbitrary and violated constitutional provisions. He pointed out that the amendment made on March 30, which granted deputy commissioners the authority to reserve 5% of seats, contravened Article 243D.
Following the court’s orders, all reservation lists issued in Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur districts, which included this 5% reservation, may need to be redrafted.
The state is set to conduct elections for over 3,600 panchayats and 73 urban bodies before May 31. While the reservation lists for urban bodies have already been released, many districts are still awaiting the panchayat election lists.
Panchayati Raj Minister Anurudh Singh stated that the government will fully comply with the court’s orders and proceed according to the directives.
Opposition leader Jairam Thakur welcomed the decision, calling it a shameful moment for the government. He accused Chief Minister Sukhu of attempting to influence the panchayat elections unconstitutionally.
The term of the Panchayati Raj institutions in Himachal Pradesh expired on December 31, 2025, necessitating new elections. The government had amended the rules on March 30, 2026, granting deputy commissioners the right to reserve 5% of seats, which was challenged in court.
Previously, the matter had reached the Supreme Court, which extended the deadline for completing the election process to May 31, 2026. The High Court’s order to finalize the reservation list by April 7 is likely to have a direct impact on the election process.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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