January 23, 2025: The Gauhati High Court issued a significant directive on Thursday, lifting all barriers to the panchayat elections, including the restrictions on nine contested panchayats. This decision allows the state government to proceed with elections in these areas while keeping the legal challenges intact.

The High Court had previously stayed the elections in nine panchayats across five districts following a hearing on January 10. However, in a notable development, a division bench overturned the earlier verdict of a single-judge bench, withdrawing the stay order.

Despite the clearance for elections, the court emphasized that complaints regarding alleged irregularities would continue to be heard. The next hearing on the matter has been scheduled for February 6. The High Court clarified that if the complaints prove valid, it retains the authority to declare the elections in these panchayats illegal.

While the Election Commission has yet to announce specific dates for the panchayat elections, there is speculation that they may take place before or shortly after Bohag Bihu, depending on the state government’s decision.

The court's decision marks a crucial step in ensuring the democratic process while balancing the need for accountability and fairness in the electoral process.