India, Jan. 6 -- Admitting it was a "mistake" to overstep his jurisdiction, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Monday informed Bombay High Court that he withdrew directives that had asked subordinate court staff to report for election duty.

This decision followed a strong reprimand from the court, which questioned the legal basis for Gagrani's actions.

A division bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad advised the civic chief to "save himself" and find alternative personnel for the upcoming polls.

The entire controversy began in late December 2025, when the commissioner, acting as the District Election Officer, issued letters ordering staff from Mumbai's subordinate co...