The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the Tripura State Election Commission to conduct long-pending Village Committee elections under the TTAADC in a single phase on September 27. Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman welcomed the decision, calling it a major victory for democratic rights and indigenous communities.
The Supreme Court has directed the Tripura State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct the long-pending Village Committee (VC) elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in a single phase on September 27.
The direction was issued on Tuesday by a bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi while hearing a plea filed by Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman regarding the delay in conducting the elections.
During the hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing on behalf of the Tripura State Election Commission, suggested that the entire election process be completed in a single phase. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state government, also supported the proposal.
Observing that all parties were largely in agreement, the apex court directed that the elections be conducted according to the schedule proposed in the SEC’s affidavit. The bench noted that the difference between the proposed timelines was only about a month and therefore there was no reason for further delay.
The court also instructed all authorities concerned to make every effort to adhere to the election schedule and complete the electoral process within the stipulated timeframe. It further clarified that no additional extension would be granted.
Reacting to the development, Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and described it as a major victory for the people of Tripura. He pointed out that Village Committee elections had remained pending for nearly a decade and that judicial intervention had finally paved the way for the restoration of democratic processes in the tribal areas.
In a social media post, Debbarman said the State Election Commission had informed the Supreme Court through an affidavit that the elections would be held in September. He termed the development a huge relief and a restoration of the democratic rights of the people.
Addressing party workers and leaders through an audio message, Debbarman emphasized that the long wait for the Village Committee elections was finally coming to an end. He urged party members to remain united and focus on the welfare of their villages and the future of the indigenous Tiprasa community rather than personal interests.
According to the schedule annexed to the SEC affidavit, the election process will begin with the issuance of notification and filing of nominations from September 1 to September 8. Scrutiny of nominations and withdrawal of candidatures are tentatively scheduled between September 9 and September 11.
Election campaigning is expected to take place from September 12 to September 26, followed by polling on September 27. In case of any requirement for repolling, October 1 has been tentatively earmarked for the exercise. Counting of votes is proposed for October 3, while the entire election process is expected to conclude by October 5.
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The Village Committee elections under the TTAADC have remained stalled for several years, leading to prolonged legal proceedings before the Supreme Court. The latest order is expected to bring an end to the uncertainty and ensure the restoration of elected local governance institutions in the tribal areas of Tripura.
