Punjab And Haryana High Court: Punjab Zila Parishad Elections Date Challenged Alleging It’s Taking Place 11 Months Prior To Term

The Punjab And Haryana High Court in the case Narinder Singh v. State of Punjab& others observed in the plea moved challenging the date of elections to Zila Parishad announced by the Punjab Government, wherein it is stated that it is taking place 11 months before the completion of its 5 year term.
The present plea is moved by Shri Mukhtar Sahib Zila Parishad Chairman Narinder Singh through Advocate Nikhil Ghai wherein it stated that the elections of all Zila Parishads have been directed to be held by 25 November in Punjab, being violative of Article 14 and 243-E of the Constitution of Indian and Section 166 and section 209 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, as the term are being reduced by almost eleven months.
The court in the case observed and also seek directions to State to re-direct elections for Zila Parishad by re-issuing notification as stated under section209 of Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 by specifying different dates for elections for different Zila Parishads in compliance with Article 243-E of the Constitution of India and Section 166 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 so that the petitioner as along with other members of various Zila Parishad can complete their full term for the term of five years.
The plea moved also seeks to stay the election of all the Zila Parishad which has been scheduled in November.
The present plea was moved on August 31, 2023 challenging the dissolution of the Panchayat in the state.
The High Court was informed by the Punjab Government that it will withdraw the notifications which dissolved Gram Panchayats in the State.
It has also been submitted by the State before the court that the elections scheduled for Gram Panchayat, Zila Parishad, Panchayat Samiti will take place as per the schedule.
The counsel, Advocate Nikhil Ghai and Advocate Paras Talwar appeared for the petitioner.