Supreme Court Rebukes High Court: "Let Elected Govt Work" - Sets New Himachal Poll Timeline - Punjabi News

Published on: 14 Feb 2026 at 09:27 AM

Supreme Court Rebukes High Court: “Let Elected Govt Work” – Sets New Himachal Poll Timeline

Published by: thefactnews

Supreme Court Rebukes High Court: “Let Elected Govt Work” – Sets New Himachal Poll Timeline

New Delhi, February 14, 2026
Supreme Court granted Himachal Pradesh major relief, extending local body elections deadline to May 31, 2026. CJI Surya Kant & Justice Joymalya Bagchi bench slammed HP High Court for repeated executive interference.

Court’s Stern Observations

“Elected Govt Must Function”: High Court’s approach appears to block government’s work. Future meddling viewed seriously
No Delimitation Excuse: Pending boundary work can’t indefinitely delay polls – constitutional mandate prevails

Revised Schedule

Delimitation/Reservation: Complete by March 31, 2026
Elections: By May 31, 2026 – no further extensions

Background

HC Order: Jan 9 deadline of April 30 rejected govt’s 6-month postponement plea citing disaster logistics
Govt Arguments: Winter hill access, upcoming census May 1

3,600+ Polls: Covers 3,500 panchayats + 71 urban bodies. Administration must now accelerate preparations.