SC to review request to postpone Bihar by-elections due to Chhath Puja

New Delhi- The Supreme Court today agreed to consider an urgent plea seeking the postponement of by-elections in four Bihar Assembly seats due to the Chhath Puja festival. The plea, filed by the Jan Suraaj Party, highlights the Election Commission's decision to reschedule polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala due to religious and social events, while maintaining the Bihar by-election dates.

The plea argues that the Election Commission's "failure" to defer the Bihar by-elections violates the voters' right to equal treatment under Article 14 of the Constitution. The party contends that the logistical challenges and concerns over reduced voter turnout due to Chhath Puja are equally significant in Bihar as they are in the other states where polls were rescheduled. The plea notes that by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and other states were rescheduled from November 13 to 20 due to social and cultural gatherings that may impact voter turnout.

The Jan Suraaj Party, represented by Karanjawala & Co, emphasizes that deferring the by-elections would ensure the participation of a large number of voters, particularly those observing Chhath Puja. The plea further points to the Election Commission's correspondence with over forty Chhath Puja organizing committees, highlighting the widespread concern regarding the matter.

The party alleges that the Election Commission's decision to reschedule some elections while maintaining others under similar socio-religious circumstances is "arbitrary" and violates the principles of natural justice. The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, has agreed to consider the plea's urgent listing for hearing.