NationalThursday, 15 October 2026·The Hindu - National
Allahabad HC orders Uttar Pradesh panchayat elections within 3 months; 27% OBC reservation to continue
The Allahabad High Court on 14 October 2026 directed the Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission to complete panchayat elections within three months and retain existing reservation rules.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, the Allahabad High Court directed the Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission to hold elections to Panchayati Raj institutions within 3 months, while continuing the existing 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Key specifics
- Order date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026, passed by a Bench of Justices Ajit Kumar and Garima Prashad.
- The direction covers the 3-tier panchayat system: zila panchayat, kshetra panchayat and gram panchayat.
- The court said elections must be completed within 3 months from the date of judgment and elected bodies constituted within that period.
- Existing reservation must continue for OBCs at 27%, along with Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women as per law.
- The court rejected pleas to quash the Government Order dated 25 May 2026 issued under Section 12(3-A) and the administrator appointments.
Exam lens
Question type: Polity and local governance, match-the-following and statement-based MCQs. Key facts: Article 243-E, Section 12(3-A), 27% OBC reservation, 3-tier panchayat elections, 14 October 2026. TNPSC may ask which court ordered timely local body polls and what reservation framework was upheld.