The Telangana High Court has issued an interim stay on Panchayat elections in the state, just hours after the Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC) released the election schedule. The court’s decision follows a series of petitions challenging the 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections.

Court Halts Election Process After Petitions Filed

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin heard the petitions challenging the BC reservation quota. After detailed arguments from both sides, the bench granted an interim stay on the elections and directed the state government to file a counter affidavit within four weeks.

Petitioners have been given an additional two weeks to respond to the state’s counter. “All impleaded petitions are allowed. Reasons (for the interim stay) will follow,” the bench stated while adjourning the hearing.

Telangana Panchayat Election Schedule Put on Hold

Earlier on Thursday, the Telangana State Election Commission had announced that elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC) would be conducted in two phases:

• Phase 1: October 23, 2025

• Phase 2: October 27, 2025

However, with the High Court’s stay order, the election process has been delayed, creating uncertainty over the new schedule.

State Defends BC Reservation With Population Data

During the hearing, Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy and senior counsel Prof. Ravivarma Kumar, representing the state, argued that the 42% reservation for BCs is backed by scientific and empirical data.

They stated that Backward Classes constitute around 57% of Telangana’s population, justifying the reservation percentage. Ravivarma Kumar emphasized that even the Supreme Court allows the 50% cap to be breached when quantifiable data supports it.

What Happens Next

The Telangana government must now submit its counter affidavit within four weeks. The petitioners will then have two additional weeks to file their replies. The final decision on the validity of BC reservations will determine the future timeline of Panchayat elections in the state.

Key Takeaways

• Telangana High Court issues interim stay on Panchayat elections over BC reservation dispute.

• Petitions challenge 42% reservation for Backward Classes.

• State defends the quota, citing population data and Supreme Court precedent.

• Election schedule postponed, affecting polls planned for October 23 and 27.