The Allahabad High Court issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government regarding the urgent formation of an OBC Commission for the upcoming Panchayat elections. This intervention aims to ensure compliance with Supreme Court mandates ahead of the elections scheduled for April to July 2026.
The court has requested an affidavit from state authorities within three weeks, detailing a timeline for establishing the commission. Advocate Moti Lal Yadav filed a contempt petition, alleging that state authorities have willfully failed to comply with prior court orders.
The Supreme Court’s ‘Triple Test’ criteria must be adhered to for OBC reservation in local bodies. This requirement stems from the case of Vikas Kishanrao Gawali v. State of Maharashtra, which emphasizes empirical data for determining reservation quotas.
Failure to form the OBC Commission could delay local body polls until 2027. The UP Panchayat Raj Act mandates that OBC seats be reserved based on valid empirical surveys, which have yet to be conducted.
Awards Recognizing Local Governance:
- The Poinguinim Panchayat received a Certificate of Excellence for achieving the highest score in Local Sustainable Development Goals.
- The Agonda Panchayat was recognized for Outstanding Commitment in Waste Management Facilities.
- These awards were presented during National Panchayati Raj Day 2026.
The next hearing in this case is set for May 19, 2026. The outcome may significantly impact how local governance structures are developed and managed in Uttar Pradesh.
