Archive · 6 Jan 2026
BMC Chief Admits Mistake in Deploying Court Staff for Poll Duty
The head of the Mumbai city government, Bhushan Gagrani, made a mistake by asking court workers to help with elections, even though the high court had said they should not.
The high court got upset and told him he didn't have the power to do this.
Gagrani then said sorry and took back his orders.
The high court had already decided in 2008 that court workers should not be asked to do election duty.
The court told Gagrani to find other people to help with the elections instead of court workers.
The high court also mentioned a letter from the Election Commission that said they need to get approval from the high court before using judicial officers or staff for election work.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani admitted to mistakenly directing court staff for election duty and withdrew the directives.
Bombay High Court took suo motu action and questioned the legal basis of Gagrani's directives.
The high court asserted that Gagrani does not have the authority to summon court staff for election duty.
Gagrani clarified that court staff cannot be requisitioned for poll duty and withdrew a related letter from a returning officer.
The high court advised Gagrani to find alternative personnel for the upcoming polls and will hear from him after the elections.
- Who
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Bombay High Court
- What
- BMC Commissioner admitted mistake in deploying court staff for election duty and withdrew directives
- When
- January 5, 2026 (admission and withdrawal), December 22-29, 2025 (initial directives and controversy)
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Bombay High Court questioned the legal basis for the commissioner's actions and took suo motu action
BMC Commissioner's Actions
Bombay High Court's Stance
Authority to Issue Directives
BMC Commissioner's Actions
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani initially issued directives to court staff for election duty, claiming authority as the District Election Officer.
Bombay High Court's Stance
The Bombay High Court questioned the legal basis of Gagrani's directives and asserted that he does not have the authority to summon court staff for election duty.
Withdrawal of Directives
BMC Commissioner's Actions
Gagrani admitted the error and withdrew the directives, clarifying that court staff cannot be requisitioned for poll duty.
Bombay High Court's Stance
The High Court expressed displeasure over Gagrani's initial directives and insisted on an explanation for the mistake during the next hearing.
- BMC Commissioner
- Bhushan Gagrani
- High Court Action
- Suo motu action taken
- Initial Directive Date
- December 22, 2025
- High Court Order Date
- December 30, 2025
- Withdrawal of Directives
- January 5, 2026
- High Court's Administrative Decision
- September 2008
- Constitutional Article
- Article 235
- Election Commission Letter
- June 7, 2023
