NewsIndia

The Allahabad High Court’s intervention highlights the urgency of forming an OBC Commission to ensure compliance with Supreme Court mandates ahead of the 2026 Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The court issued a notice to the UP Government regarding this formation. It has requested an affidavit detailing the timeline for establishing the OBC Commission within three weeks. Advocate Moti Lal Yadav filed a contempt petition, alleging that state authorities have willfully failed to comply with previous orders.

The Supreme Court’s ‘Triple Test’ criteria must be followed for OBC reservation in local bodies. The UP Panchayat Raj Act mandates that OBC seats be reserved based on empirical data from valid surveys. Failure to establish the commission could delay local body polls until 2027.

Key facts:

• The next hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
• The Poinguinim Panchayat received a Certificate of Excellence for achieving high scores in Local Sustainable Development Goals.
• The Agonda Panchayat was recognized for Outstanding Commitment in Waste Management Facilities during National Panchayati Raj Day 2026.

Advocate Yadav emphasized that without forming the commission, the state cannot fulfill the ‘Triple Test’ criteria set by the Supreme Court. The petition also asserts that OBC seats must reflect population data derived from a valid empirical survey.

This situation underscores significant challenges as the State Election Commission prepares for three-tier Panchayat elections scheduled from April to July 2026. The urgency of complying with legal requirements and ensuring fair representation remains critical.