India, March 14 -- The highly anticipated Asiatic Society elections, scheduled for Saturday, have been stayed by the charity commissioner due to irregularities in the voter lists. The polls, stayed until further orders are issued, have stirred intense debate and controversy, with competing camps jockeying for power in the hallowed body focused on research in history, art and culture. This is the second time in four months that the elections have been postponed.

Going forward, a sub-committee comprising five members of the governing council will oversee the institution's day-to-day administration, assisted by an observer appointed by the charity commissioner.

Until a new governing council is constituted, the affairs of Asiatic Society wi...