India, June 17 -- After months of delays and legal battles, the Asiatic Society of Mumbai will finally head to the polls on July 4, with 45 candidates contesting for 19 seats in the institution's governing body. The society has published its final voters' list, declaring 2,530 members eligible to participate in the election.

Polling will be held between 10am and 4pm at the society's Mumbai office. Members have been asked to carry their valid membership identity cards while voting.

This year's election has attracted unusual attention due to the involvement of politically backed panels and a sharp increase in membership applications in recent years.

One panel is led by former Rajya Sabha member and BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and has ...