The Karnataka High Court has issued directions to the State Election Commission (SEC) to advance with the gram panchayat elections following the state government’s confirmation of completing the ward formation and reservation processes. This development was documented in the case [State Election Commission Karnataka v. State of Karnataka & Anr.] heard by a Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice TP Vivekananda.
Completion of Ward Formation and Reservations
The state government has successfully finalized the creation of wards and reserved seats across all 5,864 Gram Panchayats in Karnataka. The bench acknowledged that the necessary groundwork has been laid by the state, and thus, further action is incumbent upon the SEC. “The necessary has been done, so this has become infructuous. Now it is up to you (State Election Commission) to do the necessary,” remarked the court.
Background of the Case
This case arose from a delay in conducting elections for Karnataka’s Gram Panchayats. In November 2025, the SEC approached the High Court, asserting that the state had not yet issued the final reservation notification essential for conducting elections for approximately 5,950 Gram Panchayats, whose terms were set to conclude between December 2025 and January 2026. The previous Gram Panchayat elections occurred in December 2020, and the five-year terms were due to end by December 2025, as per the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Government’s Submission
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Pratima Honnapur, representing the state government, confirmed that the petition initially sought directives for conducting the Gram Panchayat elections. She highlighted that the state had requested additional time to complete ward formation and reservations during the earlier hearing, a task that has now been accomplished. Consequently, the responsibility now lies with the SEC to proceed with the election process.
“On the last date, we had filed an affidavit seeking time to give reservation to the wards. It has been done and we have placed the status report on record. Therefore, the petition may become infructuous, as we have now given the reservations. It is for the Election Commission to notify the dates for the Gram Panchayat (elections),” submitted AAG Honnapur.
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Court’s Direction and Next Steps
The state submitted a status report dated September 8, detailing the completion of the ward formation and reservation exercise. The court noted, “The Additional Advocate General has placed on record the status report dated September 8, 2026. The report states that the creation of wards and reservation of seats for Gram Panchayat members in respect of all 5,864 Gram Panchayats has been completed. The respective Deputy Commissioners have also intimated the State Election Commission about the completion of the exercise. The Election Commission has sought time.”
The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17, where further progress on the election scheduling by the SEC is anticipated.
