You must let elected govts function, SC advises Himachal Pradesh high court
Times of India
by DHANANJAY MAHAPATRAFebruary 14, 2026
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The Supreme Court (SC) of India has issued a stern warning to the Himachal Pradesh High Court (HC) over its repeated interference in state government decisions. The SC emphasized that elected governments must be allowed to function without unnecessary judicial intervention, calling such actions "serious" and cautioning against similar behavior in the future. This ruling highlights the delicate balance between judicial oversight and executive authority in India's governance framework.
The SC bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledged that the HC had correctly rejected the state government’s request to postpone local body elections due to the ongoing delimitation process. The bench clarified that the pendency of delimitation exercises cannot be a valid reason for delaying elections, as timely polls are mandated by the Constitution. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional timelines for democratic processes.
The SC extended the HC’s deadline for completing local body elections in Himachal Pradesh from February 28 to March 31. It also allowed an additional month (until May 31) for conducting all elections, acknowledging the logistical challenges posed by remote areas during winter. Senior advocates representing both the petitioner and the state government presented arguments regarding the feasibility of these timelines. The SC ultimately modified the schedule, ensuring that all preparatory work is completed by March 31, with elections to be held within eight weeks thereafter.
This case highlights the broader implications of judicial oversight in India’s federal system. While the judiciary plays a crucial role
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026