Mumbai University Senate Elections Back on Track After High Court Ruling

The Bombay High Court directed the University of Mumbai to hold its senate elections on September 24, after staying a state government circular that postponed the polls. The elections have been pending for two years due to discrepancies and state interference. The court emphasized the necessity of adhering to the original schedule.

The Bombay High Court on Saturday mandated the University of Mumbai to conduct its senate elections on September 24, overturning a state government directive that delayed the polls at the last minute.

During a special hearing, Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil initially ordered the elections for September 22 but adjusted the date to September 24 upon the university's request based on logistical challenges.

The intervention came after election candidates Milind Satam, Shashikant Zore, and Pradeep Sawant contested the state's decision in court. The elections, originally scheduled for September 13, were postponed following state-enforced inquiries into alleged electoral roll discrepancies.

The state has been accused of intervening only three days before the elections. The high court reaffirmed the importance of following through with the original timeline while allowing the inquiry committee's work to continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)