State Of Rajasthan And Others vs Kuldeep Singh

Dinesh Mehta, J

The present misc. application has been preferred by the State inter-alia seeking extension of time to hold elections of various cooperative societies (Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies and Large Agro Multi-Purpose Societies (PACS & LAMPS)).

It is to be noted that while deciding a bunch of writ petitions filed by various cooperative societies, by a common order dated 15.03.2021, this Court had directed the respondent - State to hold elections of the societies within a period of six months from the date of the order (15.03.2021).

The State has moved the present application, inter-alia, stating that despite all efforts, the elections could not be held within the stipulated period of six months, as number of societies was large and work of preparation of voter lists and other misc. work could not be completed, which got further prolonged on account of spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Sudhir Tak, learned Additional Advocate General submits that the process of election of the societies has been started in all the Divisions and an action plan for constitution of ward in various divisions (Annex.-R1), has been published according to which the elections have been notified for various societies by the order of the State Government dated 31.07.2022.

According to the election programme so published, the elections of the societies (PACS & LAMPS) were to be held in five stages, would have been completed by 29.09.2022, but for unavoidable circumstances, the same could not be completed - stated by him.

Mr. Tak submits that once elections of PACS & LAMPS are held Districtwise, the elections of apex societies will be held, as the members of District level are elected from the elected members of Primary Level Cooperative Societies.

After hearing Mr. Tak, learned Additional Advocate General and perusing the record, this Court is satisfied that the State was prevented by justifiable reasons for not holding the elections within the stipulated period of six month from 15.03.2021 and extended period.

Be that as it may.

Since, the process of elections has now been commenced, this Court deems it appropriate to extend the time period for holding elections upto 30.09.2023.

Ordered accordingly.

The writ misc. application stands disposed of.