Rajasthan HC: Midnight Sittings for Urgent Election Relief

During the recent fast-paced urban local body elections in Rajasthan, the Rajasthan High Court became a crucial institution for candidates seeking immediate relief. Over a critical 48-hour span, the court operated through a holiday weekend, establishing special benches in both Jaipur and Jodhpur. These benches were specifically constituted to address a surge of urgent election-related petitions.

Proceedings in several cases continued until late at night, underscoring the judiciary's integral role in facilitating the election process. Approximately ten election-related matters were heard, encompassing disputes affecting election conduct and pleas for protective orders or voting accommodations. In Jodhpur, judicial hearings extended past midnight, with a judge presiding over nine urgent matters on Sunday alone. Similarly, benches in Jaipur handled cases concerning Kekri and Tijara, directly impacting election procedures. The court's interventions included granting interim protection from adverse actions and extending voting hours, providing decisive support for candidates navigating procedural challenges against tight electoral timelines.