Gauhati HC Continues Hearing on Batch of Petitions Challenging Assam Panchayat Delimitation

Gauhati High Court Adjourns Hearing on Assam Panchayat Delimitation Challenge; Advocate General to Present Submissions

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court continued its hearing on a significant batch of writ petitions challenging the recent delimitation exercise conducted for Panchayat elections across Assam. The single-judge bench of Hon'ble Mr. Justice ManishChoudhury presided over the proceedings on March 17, 2025.

Case Background

The primary case, WP(C)/5346/2024 (Asrof Kalam Azad Laskar & 3 Ors vs. The State of Assam & 7 Ors), along with numerous linked petitions from various districts including Cachar , Dhubri, Hailakandi, Karimganj (Sribhumi), Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Darrang, and Morigaon , collectively challenge the process and outcome of the delimitation of Panchayat constituencies undertaken by the State authorities, including the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, the State Election Commission, and respective District Delimitation Commissions.

The petitioners, represented by various advocates including Senior Counsel Mr. A.C. Borbora, Mr. H I Choudhury , Mr. H R A Choudhury , and others, raise objections concerning the demarcation of boundaries, allocation of wards, and potentially other procedural aspects related to the delimitation exercise governed by the Assam Panchayat Act and relevant election rules.

Arguments Presented

During the hearing on March 17th, Senior Counsel Mr. A.C. Borbora concluded his submissions on behalf of the petitioners in the lead case. The specific grounds of challenge raised during the arguments were not detailed in the day's order.

The State respondents, represented by the learned Additional Advocate General and Senior Standing Counsel for the Panchayat & Rural Development Department, Mr. K. Konwar, and the Assam State Election Commission, represented by its Standing Counsel Mr. R. Dubey, were present.

Court's Order

After hearing the completion of arguments from the petitioners' side, Justice Choudhury noted that the learned Advocate General, Assam, is scheduled to present the State's submissions in response to the petitions.

The court directed the cases to be listed again on March 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM for the Advocate General's arguments.

Implications

The outcome of these petitions holds significant implications for the upcoming Panchayat elections in Assam. The High Court's decision on the validity of the delimitation exercise will determine the structure of local governance bodies and the constituencies where elections will eventually be held. The matter remains under judicial consideration, with the State's formal response awaited.