Jharkhand High Court Summons Top Officials, Sets Oct. 14 Contempt Hearing Over Delayed Municipal Polls

Elected municipal bodies have been sidelined since 2023, with the court dismissing the state's unfinished OBC quota 'triple test' as a reason for delay.

Overview

Justice Ananda Sen issued contempt notices to Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary, Home and Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel, and former Urban Development Secretary Vinay Choubey, along with other officers.
The court directed the named officials to appear in person on October 14, when it said charges for willful disobedience will be framed.
Judges rejected the government's submission that polls must wait for completion of the OBC reservation 'triple test', calling the stance contrary to prior orders.
The case stems from a contempt petition by outgoing Ranchi councillor Roshni Khalkho, following ignored directives in January 2024 to hold elections within first three weeks, then within four months.
With terms expiring in April 2023 and no elections held since, municipal bodies continue under government-appointed administrators as petitioners allege public services have suffered.