Agartala, March 1: The Supreme Court of India has strongly questioned the delay in conducting Village Committee (VC) elections in the areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), expressing dissatisfaction with the explanation provided by the State Election Commission Tripura (SEC).
During a hearing on February 26, the Bench took exception to what it termed a “vague” affidavit filed by the SEC and the absence of a clear timeline for holding the long-pending elections. The matter relates to the failure to conduct VC polls despite an earlier undertaking before the High Court of Tripura to complete the process by November 2022.
Observing that the TTAADC elections are scheduled to conclude by April 18, 2026, the Court questioned why the VC elections could not be held simultaneously. “We do not find a logical reason as to why you are not holding simultaneous elections,” the Bench remarked, rejecting a proposed September schedule and directing authorities to submit a clearer plan, preferably completing the process by May-end. The Court also cautioned that failure to file a proper affidavit could invite action against responsible officers.
The SEC cited logistical challenges, including difficulties faced by hill voters in travelling to separate polling booths. However, the Court observed that booth arrangements could be managed efficiently and that Tripura’s geography did not justify the delay.
The petition was moved by TIPRA Motha Party, founded by Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. The issue has gained political significance amid tensions between ruling allies, the Bharatiya Janata Party and TIPRA Motha, with debates over the Tiprasa Accord and the Roman script demand for Kokborok also intensifying ahead of the upcoming TTAADC polls.
