Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur
Order Date: 18 September 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Punit Ram Yadav (resident of Kamal Colony, Balodabazar) filed WPC No. 4666 of 2026 seeking a writ of mandamus directing the completion of the pending election of Balodabazar Vikas Khand Sahakari Vipanan (Marketing) Sanstha Maryadit, which has been stalled since 2023.
- Respondents: State of Chhattisgarh (Secretary, Department of Co‑Operative Societies), Chhattisgarh State Co‑Operative Election Commission, Registrar Co‑Operative Societies, Returning Officer Block Balodabazar, Balodabazar Block Co‑Operative Marketing Society.
- Background: Election was initiated per order dated 13‑02‑2023; two members were declared elected unopposed on 06‑03‑2023, but election for remaining posts was repeatedly postponed despite directions from the State Co‑Operative Election Commission.
- Submissions: Petitioner's counsel argued that the delay hampers the functioning of the cooperative; respondent No.2's counsel stated that the election will proceed once the voter list is prepared.
- Court’s observations: The Court examined the material on record and found that the election process remains incomplete, adversely affecting the society’s governance.
Final Outcome
- The Court directs the respondent authorities to prepare the voter list in accordance with law, issue the election programme/notice, and conduct the election of the cooperative society within 60 days from receipt of a certified copy of this order.
- The Court expressly refrains from expressing any opinion on the merits of the petition.
- No order as to costs; the petition stands disposed of.
Topics: Cooperative Election, Judicial Direction