The court approved conducting elections under the newly proposed ward structure with 27% reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
Nagpur: After years of uncertainty, the Supreme Court has cleared the decks for local body elections in Maharashtra by approving the new ward structure and upholding 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The decision paves the way for long-pending polls to Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Zilla Parishads, and other local self-governing bodies, including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, which have been stalled since May 2021.
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04 Aug 2025
While hearing a petition challenging the ward restructuring of Ausa Municipal Council in Latur district, the apex court affirmed that defining ward boundaries is the exclusive prerogative of the State Government. It dismissed pleas seeking to revert to earlier ward structures, making it clear that elections will now be conducted based on the revised boundaries approved by the Maharashtra Government.
OBC quota gets final nod
The court also rejected a petition challenging the 27% OBC reservation in local bodies, reiterating its earlier stance that elections could proceed with the quota in place. This effectively removes all legal obstacles surrounding the implementation of OBC reservation in civic polls.
In previous hearings, the Supreme Court had expressed displeasure over the prolonged delay in conducting local elections and had questioned the intent of the State Election Commission. With its latest ruling, the court has directed the Commission to issue election notifications within four weeks and begin the poll process without further delay.
Ward structures in Maharashtra have undergone several changes under different governments — from the Maha Vikas Aghadi to the Mahayuti alliance and now the Eknath Shinde-led administration. Multiple petitions were filed challenging these changes, particularly the shift from the pre-March 11, 2022 structure. The Ausa Municipal Council petition was the most recent challenge, but the Supreme Court has now dismissed it, reinforcing the state’s authority over ward demarcation.
Uncertainty finally ends
In May this year, the apex court had already instructed the state to complete local body polls within four months. With the latest judgment upholding both the ward structure and the OBC quota, election announcements are now imminent, bringing an end to the prolonged stalemate that has left Maharashtra’s civic bodies functioning without elected representatives for over three years.
