The Punjab government is expected to announce elections for five municipal corporations and 43 municipal councils today (November 28). During a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the government clarified that the schedule for these elections will be issued by the State Election Commission.
This development comes after a prolonged legal battle, which reached the Supreme Court, over the delay in conducting municipal elections despite earlier directives. The Supreme Court had instructed the Punjab government to complete the election process within ten weeks, including issuing the notification within 15 days.
Petitioner Beant Singh had filed a contempt petition against the State Election Commission, alleging non-compliance with the election schedule despite receiving a government notification on November 22. The High Court had earlier allowed the petitioner to approach the court again if progress was not made.
Urban Development Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh recently stated that the government is ready to conduct elections by the end of December and has informed the State Election Commission of its preparedness. The elections will be held on party symbols and will follow the existing ward divisions as per Supreme Court orders.
The issue of municipal elections in Punjab saw a lengthy legal battle, escalating from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Supreme Court. On November 11, the Supreme Court directed the state government to expedite the process, with clear deadlines for notifications and election completion.
The controversy stemmed from a High Court order on November 6, which had issued a contempt notice to the state government, directing it to release the election notification within ten days. The High Court had also warned of a ₹50,000 fine and further legal action for non-compliance. However, the government assured the court on November 21 that the notification would be issued by November 25, following which the High Court concluded the case.
With the announcement expected today, all eyes are on the State Election Commission to release the detailed election schedule, marking a significant step towards municipal governance in the state.
