Supreme Court sets September 15 deadline for civic polls in 9 new districts

Bench not impressed with State poll panel’s pleas that COVID-19 is at its peak in the State

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission to complete the delayed local bodies elections in nine new districts of the State by September 15. “We grant extension of time till September 15, 2021, to complete the entire process, including publication/notification of election schedule and the result thereof, before September 15, 2021, as the constitutional mandate to conduct elections in the time-bound manner cannot be defeated in this manner,” a Vacation Bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Aniruddha Bose said. The court was not impressed with the State Election Commission’s fervent pleas that COVID-19 was at its peak in the State. “COVID has become a good excuse in all matters. For two years, you have not conducted the elections... Now you conduct the elections before the third wave arrives... We know the reality in these matters; unless and until political parties are ready, elections are not held,” Justice Gupta said.