Archive · 1 Oct 2025
High Court Orders Punjab on Delayed Panchayat Polls
A villager in Punjab is suing the government because they haven't held elections for their local village council (panchayat) in over a decade.
The High Court has now told the government to respond to the lawsuit.
The villager says this breaks the rules, as elections should happen every five years.
Because of this, the village is missing out on important programs and services.
The court is deciding if the government is doing the right thing.
High Court directed Punjab government to respond to a PIL.
The PIL concerns the delayed Gram Panchayat elections in Kalanaur village.
Elections have not been held in Kalanaur since July 2013.
The petitioner alleges a violation of residents’ democratic rights.
The petition seeks a timeline for conducting the elections.
- Who
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab Government
- What
- Court directed Punjab government to respond to a PIL regarding Gram Panchayat elections in Kalanaur.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Kalanaur village, Gurdaspur district, Punjab; Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Why
- Elections have not been held in Kalanaur since 2013, violating residents' rights.
Residents of Kalanaur
Punjab Government
Holding Elections
Residents of Kalanaur
Elections should be held to ensure democratic rights.
Punjab Government
The government's stance and reasons are unknown.
Welfare Programs
Residents of Kalanaur
The lack of elected officials hinders implementation of programs.
Punjab Government
The government's action and planning are not known.
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Subject
- Kalanaur Panchayat Elections
- Petitioner
- Mehakpreet Singh, Villager
- Action
- Court orders Punjab govt. response
- Reason
- Elections not held since 2013
Sources
‘Bordering on contempt’: High court summons Punjab Justice secretary after govt seeks to recall order on Malerkotla judges’ housing
‘Challenge judicial order or comply with it’: Eviction of Malerkotla DC, SSP stands as high court rejects Punjab’s recall plea