Chandigarh :
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has extended its interim stay on the election process of the Mohali Municipal Corporation, effectively postponing the civic polls until the third week of March 2026.
The court directed the state authorities not to proceed further with the election process until the next date of hearing. The bench will review compliance issues related to the proposed expansion of the municipal limits before taking a final call.
Contempt Plea Triggers Fresh Delay
The stay comes in response to a contempt petition filed by social activist Ram Kumar, who alleged that the Punjab government failed to honour earlier commitments regarding the expansion of the corporation’s jurisdiction.
In his plea, the petitioner argued that despite assurances given before the court, the crucial process of ward delimitation in newly added areas was not completed within the stipulated timeframe. He claimed that proceeding with elections without finalising delimitation would lead to procedural irregularities.
Expansion Proposal Still Pending
The previous council, led by the Indian National Congress, had in 2022 approved a proposal to expand the civic body’s limits in Mohali to address rapid urbanisation. However, delays in finalising ward boundaries and issuing the necessary notifications have kept the matter embroiled in legal proceedings.
Earlier petitions had also challenged the 2021 municipal election results and the constitution of the delimitation board. At that time, the High Court had declined to interfere with the electoral process.
Governance Concerns Rise
With the stay now extended, uncertainty continues over civic governance in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), one of Punjab’s fastest-growing urban centres. The delay is likely to impact ongoing development projects and administrative decision-making, particularly in areas proposed to be included under the expanded municipal limits.
The matter is scheduled for hearing in the third week of March, when the High Court is expected to review the state government’s response and determine the future course of the election process.
