Udhav Laxman Jadhav v. the State of Maharashtra Thr Ministry of Cooperation Mantralaya and Ors.
Case brief
What is this about?
Bombay High Court, Kolhapur Circuit Bench (Madhav J. Jamdar & Pravin S. Patil, JJ.), Writ Petition No.1672 of 2026, decided April 16, 2026. Petitioner Udhav Laxman Jadhav (proposer of two candidates; wife contesting) sought quashing of the Election Program dated 01.04.2026 issued by Respondent Nos.5–7 for Respondent No.4 Society (election fixed 09.05.2026), alleging 32 voters lacked residence within Society jurisdiction and 10 gunthas of land. Held: election process already set in motion — no stay per Sant Sadguru (2001) 8 SCC 509 (followed); 32 affected voters not impleaded — dismissal on non-joinder alone per Maruti Sheku Mote 2022 SCC OnLine Bom 10392 (applied). Petition dismissed without costs.
What did the court decide?
Since the election process has already been set in motion, as per the settled legal position the High Court should not stay the continuation of the election process even though there may be some alleged illegality or breach of rules while preparing the electoral roll.