Former legislator Harsh Dev Singh petitions the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to instate by-elections for Nagrota and Budgam constituencies.
Harsh Dev Singh, a former Minister and ex-MLA, has taken the Election Commission of India (ECI) to court over the delay in conducting by-elections for the Nagrota and Budgam assembly constituencies. The petition, filed before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday, seeks directions for the ECI to expedite the process, as the seats have remained vacant since October 2024[1][2].
Singh argues that the ECI's delay is unlawful and arbitrary, accusing it of neglecting constitutional duties and ignoring Supreme Court rulings that emphasize prompt electoral action once a vacancy arises. He contends that the ECI's ongoing notifications for by-polls in other states while Jammu & Kashmir remains ignored is prejudicial and discriminatory treatment towards the region[1][2].
The petition also challenges the ECI's justification citing snowfall as a reason for delay, noting that Nagrota historically does not experience snowfall. Singh urges the High Court to recognize this denial of timely elections as a violation of democratic rights and requests judicial intervention to ensure the by-elections are held without further delay[1][4].
As of the last update on July 30-31, 2025, the petition has been formally filed, but there is no public information yet about the High Court's decision or any orders passed concerning the case[1][3][4]. The Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh is overseeing the petition, but the specific reasons or arguments presented in the petition are not detailed in the provided information.
[1] Times of India: Ex-MLA Harsh Dev Singh files petition in J&K High Court over delay in by-elections [2] Greater Kashmir: Petition filed in J&K High Court seeking directions for by-elections [3] The Indian Express: Harsh Dev Singh files petition in J&K High Court over delay in by-elections [4] Hindustan Times: Harsh Dev Singh files petition in J&K High Court over delay in by-elections
- The ongoing political issue in Jammu & Kashmir involves Harsh Dev Singh, a former Minister and ex-MLA, challenging the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the delay in conducting by-elections, claiming it as policy-and-legislation negligence and part of general-news politics.
- Singh's petition, concerning the delay in the by-elections for the Nagrota and Budgam assembly constituencies, alleges unlawful and arbitrary action by the ECI, citing violations of democratic rights and ignoring Supreme Court rulings, which falls under policy-and-legislation and general-news categories.
