HEARING SCHEDULED ON VALIDITY OF SHAHPUR NAGAR PANCHAYAT CHIEF COUNCILLOR’S TENURE

HEARING SCHEDULED ON VALIDITY OF SHAHPUR NAGAR PANCHAYAT CHIEF COUNCILLOR’S TENURE

1-AUG-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The matter concerning the disqualification of Jugnu Devi, the Chief Councillor of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat, has once again come into the spotlight before the State Election Commission. Following a recent directive from the Patna High Court, the Commission has scheduled a hearing for the case on August 13, 2026, at 3:30 PM.

Regarding the background of this case, a petition challenging the membership of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat Chief Councillor Jugnu Devi—Case No. 50/2024 (Krishna Kumar and Ramesh Kumar Ram vs. Jugnu Devi)—has been pending for quite some time. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the Patna High Court issued a significant order on July 17, 2026. In its order, the Court expressed particular concern over the fact that the appeal had been pending before the State Election Commission for the past two years. The High Court directed the Commission to reach a final decision on the matter within four months of receiving a copy of the order.

It is worth noting that the State Election Commission last heard the case on December 23, 2025; the date for the next hearing has now been set seven months later, in compliance with the Court's directive. According to an official notice issued by the Commission's Joint Election Commissioner, Chief Councillor Jugnu Devi has been instructed to appear in person and present her case. The Commission has clarified that if the case is not presented on the scheduled date, a final decision will be made based on the available documents and records.

Similarly, the petitioners—Krishna Kumar and Ramesh Kumar Ram—have been informed that they must appear either in person or through an authorized advocate on the day of the hearing, accompanied by a written statement regarding their position. To ensure transparency and adherence to timelines, the Commission has directed that only one representative per party will be permitted to attend the hearing.

Following the Patna High Court's strict directives, all eyes are now fixed on the hearing scheduled before the State Election Commission on August 13, 2026. This decision will prove crucial in determining the validity of the post of Chief Councillor of the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat. This information has been conveyed to the concerned parties via Memo No. 3115, issued by the State Election Commission, to ensure the matter is brought to a logical conclusion in accordance with legal procedure.