Bombay High Court Orders MU Senate Elections Amid Controversy

The Bombay High Court ruled that the University of Mumbai's senate elections be held on September 24, overriding a state government circular that sought to postpone the polls. The decision comes amid allegations of discrepancies and state interference. The elections, pending for two years, were initially scheduled for September 22.

The Bombay High Court on Saturday mandated that the University of Mumbai's senate elections be conducted on September 24, countermanding a state government circular that had delayed the polls at the last moment.

During a special hearing, Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil initially ordered the elections to proceed as planned on September 22. However, after the university cited logistical issues, the court agreed to the revised date of September 24.

'The order to postpone the elections indefinitely is stayed until further notice. The elections will go ahead as rescheduled,' stated the high court, while setting the next hearing for September 26.

Petitioners Milind Satam, Shashikant Zore, and Pradeep Sawant had challenged the state government's decision to delay the graduates' senate elections under the Maharashtra Public Universities Act.

The university, represented by senior counsel Anil Sakhare and advocate Manish Kelkar, argued for the delay due to practical challenges in organizing the election on short notice. The court accepted the argument.

Polling will occur from 9 am to 5 pm on September 24, with votes counted on September 27, university officials stated. The polls were delayed by the state government over claims of irregularities, reducing the voter list, and duplications in the electoral rolls.

The high court also noted that the government's decision to conduct an inquiry on the issue would continue, subject to the final outcome of the petition.

(With inputs from agencies.)