HP High Court Orders Panchayat Elections by April 30, Blow to Sukhu Govt

• The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the Sukhu government to conduct Panchayat elections before April 30.
• The court directed the Election Commission and the government to start the election process by February 20 and complete it by February 28.
• The government had sought to postpone elections citing disaster relief and the need for six months, while the Election Commission highlighted difficulties due to exams and census duties.
• The term of Panchayat Raj institutions in Himachal Pradesh ends on January 31, 2026, with 3577 Gram Panchayats, 90 Panchayat Samitis, 11 Zila Parishads, and 71 urban local bodies.
• Former CM Jairam Thakur welcomed the High Court's decision, criticizing the Sukhu government's attempt to postpone elections.

Why It Matters: Himachal Pradesh High Court mandates Panchayat elections by April 30, overriding Sukhu government's postponement efforts.