Maharashtra local body polls: Hold elections by January, SC tells government, EC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government and the State Election Commission to conduct local body elections in the state by January 31, 2026.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi also instructed the authorities to complete the delimitation exercise by October 10 this year. The court noted that despite its May 6 order directing notification of polls within four weeks and completion of elections within four months, the State Election Commission had failed to act promptly.

The apex court has now allowed an extension by fixing a firm schedule but made it clear that no further relaxation will be granted.