The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the state government for failing to conduct municipal elections within the stipulated timeframe, despite repeated judicial directions.
Justice Ananda Sen was hearing a contempt petition filed by former Ranchi ward councillor Roshni Khalko, who alleged that the prolonged delay in civic polls has crippled local governance and obstructed welfare schemes. The court directed the officials concerned to submit a response to the plea and warned of consequences for non-compliance.
The municipal elections in Jharkhand have been pending for several years. Polls have not been held in 12 urban local bodies (ULBs), including Deoghar and Dhanbad municipal corporations, since June 2020. Elections to other bodies, including the Ranchi Municipal Corporation, have not taken place since April 2023.
The last elections in many ULBs were conducted in April 2018, and the term of councillors expired in 2023. Under the Jharkhand Municipal Act, elections must be held every five years.
The High Court had earlier, on January 4, 2024, directed the government to conduct the elections within three weeks. However, the deadline lapsed without compliance, prompting Khalko to file a contempt petition.
During the hearing, Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari and Urban Development Department Secretary Sunil Kumar were present in court. The bench instructed them to file affidavits explaining the reasons for the delay and to comply with the earlier order.
Khalko, in her petition, contended that the government’s inaction in issuing a notification for elections has directly impacted the implementation of welfare schemes and delivery of essential civic services.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 10.
