Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Maharashtra Amends 1961 Election Act
The Maharashtra government has changed a law to make the decisions of election officials final.
Before, people could go to court if their nomination papers were rejected, which caused delays in elections.
Now, the officials' decisions can't be challenged in court, so elections can happen on time.
The government also warned that no disruption will be tolerated during the vote counting for municipal councils and panchayats.
They held a meeting to make sure everything is ready and that the counting will be fair and transparent.
The counting for all municipalities will be held on December 21, even though voting took place on different dates.
Maharashtra government amended Section 14 (2) of the 1961 Election Act to make Returning Officers' decisions on nomination rejections final and non-appealable.
The change aims to prevent delays in local body elections caused by pending court cases.
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare issued directives to prevent any disruption or misconduct during the vote counting scheduled for December 21.
Voting for 264 municipalities and 6,042 members was conducted on December 2, with additional voting for 24 municipalities and 154 members scheduled for December 20.
Officials were instructed to ensure transparency, prompt communication of actions taken, and adequate security arrangements to maintain law and order.
- Who
- Maharashtra government and State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare
- What
- Amended the 1961 Election Act to make Returning Officers' decisions final on nomination rejections and issued directives to prevent disruption during vote counting
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned), with counting scheduled for December 21
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To prevent delays in local body elections caused by pending court cases and to ensure smooth and peaceful counting processes
Government and Election Commission
Potential Litigants
Appealability of Nomination Rejections
Government and Election Commission
The government and Election Commission support making Returning Officers' decisions final to prevent delays in elections.
Potential Litigants
Potential litigants may argue that the removal of the right to appeal undermines their ability to challenge unfair rejections.
- Act
- Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961
- Section
- 14 (2)
- Amendment
- RO's decision on nomination rejection is final
- Purpose
- Ensure timely and disciplined local body polls
- Affected Elections
- Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls
- Counting Date
- December 21
- Voting Dates
- December 2 and December 20
- Municipalities Involved
- 288 municipal councils and panchayats
Sources
1961 Election Act | State govt to issue amendment: Candidates cannot approach courts on nomination rejection
Candidates cannot approach courts on nomination rejection; Returning Officer’s decision to be final
