Municipal elections in Jharkhand face uncertainty despite High Court order

Ranchi: Jharkhand’s state government is encountering challenges in adhering to the Jharkhand High Court’s directive to announce municipal election dates within three weeks. The government has previously decided to implement a triple test through the Backward Classes Commission to determine Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations. However, the appointment of the chairman for the Backward Classes Commission is still pending.

As per a previous Supreme Court order, OBC reservations are to be determined through a triple test. Failing to conduct this test would compel the state government to proceed with elections without providing reservations to OBCs. Despite four days passing since the High Court’s order, there is a notable absence of activity regarding municipal elections in the state.

The State Election Commission has not received any communication related to the elections, and the Urban Development Department shows no signs of progress in this matter. The delay raises questions about the feasibility of meeting the stipulated timeline for conducting municipal elections.