Quick Summary: The Bombay High Court dismissed multiple requests challenging the redrawing of electoral areas in Maharashtra, emphasizing the need for timely local elections as directed by the Supreme Court.
In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court addressed a series of requests concerning the redrawing of electoral areas across various districts in Maharashtra. These requests were filed because of upcoming local elections, with Vijaykumar Balajirao Dhondge challenging the final announcement of how voting areas were set up.
"Vijaykumar had submitted his complaint even before the draft announcement was prepared... some of the complaints were partly accepted, the others were rejected in a most unfair and illegal manner."
"The Supreme Court has emphasized the need to hold elections in a democracy, so that local self-government... is achieved as soon as possible."
Supreme Court's Order: The Supreme Court had ordered that local elections be held within four months from May 2025, stressing the urgency due to the long absence of elected local bodies in Maharashtra.
Final Decision: The court dismissed all requests, highlighting that Vijaykumar failed to show unfairness or bad intent in the redrawing process. The decision emphasized the importance of proceeding with the elections without further delay.
"We are aware that if we interfere lightly in such matters, it would result in delaying the entire election process."
The Bombay High Court decided to dismiss all the challenges to the redrawing of voting areas, allowing the local elections in Maharashtra to proceed as planned. The court stressed the importance of holding elections on time to ensure local representation.
