When are Polls Likely for Vacant Posts in Local Bodies, HC asks Govt

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday directed the state government to come clear on the likelihood of conducting elections to the vacant posts in various local bodies.

A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Alok Ardhe, was dealing with a PIL filed by advocate Rapolu Bhaskar seeking directions to the state government and the chief election officer of Telangana to conduct the elections to the vacant posts. He complained that 220 sarpanch, 94 MPTC, four ZPTCs, 5364 ward members and 344 deputy sarpanch posts were vacant for years together. Consequently, works in panchayats are being carried out by nominated representatives. There have been no developmental and welfare activities, he said.

Senior counsel G. Vidyasagar, representing state election commission submitted that they were ready to conduct elections soon after a nod from the state government.

The bench on Friday gave one week time to the government to present its stand.