India, Sept. 16 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday fixed January 31, 2026 as the final deadline for conducting all local body elections in Maharashtra, while reproaching the State Election Commission (SEC) for its "failure to take prompt action" and comply with earlier timelines. Extending the schedule as a "one-time concession," the Court made it clear that no further extension will be granted.

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said that elections to all Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and municipalities must be completed within the stipulated period. "Elections of all local bodies.shall be conducted by January, 2026. No further extension shall be granted to state or the state election commission. In case any other logi...