The Punjab government informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the Kharar municipal elections will be deferred due to a continuing deadlock over the delimitation of wards. The state's counsel submitted that the process of delimitation, which is a prerequisite for conducting the polls, has been stalled owing to legal and administrative challenges.
Delimitation Process at a Standstill
The delimitation of wards in Kharar has been a contentious issue, with various political parties and local groups raising objections. The state government stated that it is unable to proceed with the elections until the delimitation exercise is completed in accordance with the law. The High Court was hearing a petition seeking directions for holding the municipal polls, which were originally scheduled earlier but got delayed.
Legal Hurdles and Court's Response
The counsel for the Punjab government argued that the delimitation process is stuck due to pending litigations and disagreements over ward boundaries. The court, after hearing the submissions, acknowledged the complexities involved and directed the state to expedite the delimitation process while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. The next hearing is scheduled for a later date, by which time the state is expected to provide a clear timeline for the elections.
This development has left residents and political parties in Kharar uncertain about the election schedule. The deferment has also raised concerns about the functioning of the municipal body, which is currently under an administrator. The state government assured the court that it is making all efforts to resolve the deadlock and conduct the polls at the earliest possible time.
