The Himachal Pradesh government has annulled the Disaster Management Act (DMA) order that had delayed Panchayati Raj Institution and urban local body elections, opening the way for the long-awaited polls across the state. The original directive, issued on October 8, 2025, had postponed the elections, citing disruptions in connectivity caused by natural disasters in several regions.
According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Revenue Department, conditions have now largely stabilized, prompting the government to withdraw the order after nearly six months. This decision follows earlier instructions from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which had asked the state to complete all procedures related to the reorganisation of Panchayati Raj Institutions and municipal bodies by February 28, 2026, and to conduct elections within eight weeks thereafter.
The issue also reached the Supreme Court, which, during a hearing of a Special Leave Petition on February 13, 2026, directed the State Election Commission, Panchayati Raj Department, Urban Development Department, and the State Disaster Management Authority to jointly complete pending processes by March 31, 2026. The court further mandated that all elections be completed by May 31, 2026.
In line with these directions, the state government has now officially revoked the DMA order, with the notification issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta. The move effectively clears the way for Panchayat and municipal elections to be held. The five-year term of Panchayats ended on January 31, while the terms of elected representatives in 47 municipal bodies lapsed on January 17.
During the delay, administrators were appointed to manage all Panchayats and over 47 urban local bodies, a situation that experts note is not ideal for the functioning of democracy. With the DMA order lifted, Himachal Pradesh can now move forward with elections, in compliance with Supreme Court directions and to restore elected governance in the state.
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