The High Court of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh recently imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 on the state government for not filing a reply on mandi elections delay. The Nagrik Upbhokta Manch filed a public interest litigation in November 2022, requesting the High Court to direct the government to conduct mandi elections in accordance with the Mandi Act.
As per the Mandi Act, elections for agricultural mandis in Madhya Pradesh were held in 2012-13, and the government was supposed to conduct mandi elections in 2017-18. However, even after five years, no elections have been held.
During the hearing held on Monday, the Chief Justice Ravi Malipath and Justice Vishal Mishra imposed a cost of Rs. 10,000 on the state government for failing to file a reply. The court instructed the government to file the reply within two weeks.
This is a significant development in the ongoing issue of the delay in mandi elections in Madhya Pradesh. The Nagrik Upbhokta Manch had been rallying for mandi elections to be conducted in a timely manner, as per the Mandi Act. This petition in the High Court is a step forward for the movement, and will hopefully pressure the government to take action on the matter.
It is crucial that the government takes necessary steps to conduct mandi elections at the earliest. The delay has been detrimental to farmers and has caused an imbalance in the grain market. By conducting elections in a timely manner, the government can ensure that the agricultural sector in Madhya Pradesh remains stable and prosperous.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update our readers as more information becomes available.
