Tipra Motha has moved the Supreme Court over the long-delayed Village Council elections in Tripura’s TTAADC areas. The apex court will hear the case on October 27 or 28, marking a major step for tribal grassroots democracy.
Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Deb Barma has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking intervention over the prolonged delay in conducting the Village Council (VC) elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). The plea, filed jointly by Pradyot and senior party leaders Ranjit Debbarma and Jagadish Debbarma, aims to revive grassroots democracy in Tripura’s tribal regions, where elected local bodies have been absent for several years.
The case was mentioned before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in New Delhi on Tuesday. According to official reports, the CJI assured the petitioners that the case will be heard on either October 27 or 28, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for democratic representation within the state’s tribal areas.
Following the court’s acknowledgment, Pradyot Kishore Deb Barma took to social media to share the development, writing:
“The Hon’ble CJI has listened to our mention today at the Supreme Court, and the hearing for the VC elections will take place later this month. The delay in holding the VC election must be one of the longest delays in the history of democratic India.”
A Prolonged Democratic Vacuum
The Village Committee elections, which form the foundation of governance under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, have been pending for years in the TTAADC areas. These elections are vital for ensuring local self-governance, welfare implementation, and community-level decision-making among the indigenous population.
The repeated postponement of these elections has created what many tribal leaders describe as a “democratic vacuum.” Without elected village councils, crucial administrative decisions affecting rural and tribal welfare have been left in bureaucratic limbo. This has resulted in frustration and discontent among the tribal communities, who view the delay as an erosion of their constitutional rights.
Tipra Motha’s Stand on the Issue
Since its formation, Tipra Motha has positioned itself as a strong advocate for the rights of Tripura’s indigenous people. The party has consistently accused the state government of intentionally delaying the Village Council elections to weaken local self-rule in tribal regions. Party leaders have argued that this neglect undermines the Sixth Schedule provisions meant to empower the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Tipra Motha leader said, “The absence of elected village councils has left our people voiceless at the grassroots. The Supreme Court petition is not just about elections—it’s about restoring faith in democracy and ensuring the government respects constitutional guarantees for tribal autonomy.”
Legal and Political Implications
The Supreme Court’s decision to list the case later this month is being seen as a victory for Tipra Motha’s persistent campaign for justice. Legal experts suggest that if the apex court directs the government to expedite the election process, it could set a precedent for timely local body elections in all Sixth Schedule areas across the Northeast.
Politically, the development could reshape the dynamics between Tipra Motha and the ruling coalition in Tripura. The delay in VC elections has been a recurring point of contention between the tribal-based party and the state administration. A court directive could not only revive political activity in the tribal belts but also strengthen Tipra Motha’s position as a key defender of indigenous rights.
The Broader Democratic Message
Observers note that the issue goes beyond party politics—it strikes at the heart of India’s democratic framework. The constitutional mandate for local self-governance under the Sixth Schedule was designed to give tribal regions autonomy over their cultural, social, and economic development. The prolonged suspension of local elections effectively nullifies that autonomy, making judicial intervention both necessary and urgent.
As the Supreme Court hearing approaches on October 27 or 28, all eyes are now on the outcome. For Tipra Motha, it represents more than a legal battle—it’s a movement to reclaim grassroots democracy and reassert the constitutional rights of Tripura’s indigenous communities.
| Also Read: President Murmu honours Tripura’s NSS heroes for National Service |
If the court rules in their favor, it could lead to the long-awaited restoration of elected governance in hundreds of tribal villages, rekindling hope among those who have long felt neglected by the system.
