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Asiatic Tomorrow panel moves SC amid poll delay
Amid a prolonged delay in Asiatic Society elections, the Asiatic Tomorrow panel filed a caveat in the Supreme Court seeking a hearing before any order is passed if the Bombay High Court's stay on polls is challenged. The move follows the High Court's March 13 order halting elections and the subsequent writ petitions, with the panel urging reforms and a June election.
Why It Matters
The development shows ongoing legal contest over the management of the Asiatic Society elections and potential changes to the electoral process, with implications for governance and elected representation within the society.
Timeline
5 Events
Asiatic Tomorrow files caveat in Supreme Court amid poll delay
April 28, 2026
The Asiatic Tomorrow panel filed a caveat in the Supreme Court seeking a hearing before any order is passed if the Bombay High Court’s stay on polls is challenged. Panel convener Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said the caveat is precautionary. He alleged faulty voter lists and illegal registrations, accused rival groups of delaying elections, and urged that elections be conducted by June.
High Court dismisses writ petitions challenging the Charity Commissioner’s order
April 22, 2026
The High Court dismissed two writ petitions challenging the Charity Commissioner’s order. The commissioner had constituted a committee to prepare a fresh voters’ list and oversee day-to-day affairs, stating that a new election schedule would be announced only after finalising the list.
Charity Commissioner orders halt to elections and interim administration
March 13, 2026
The Charity Commissioner issues an order halting the Asiatic Society elections and laying down an interim administrative mechanism, citing irregularities in the trust’s functioning and in the electoral process.
Bombay High Court refuses to intervene in the Charity Commissioner’s order
March 2026
The Bombay High Court refused to intervene in the Charity Commissioner’s March 13 order that halted the elections and instituted an interim administrative mechanism.
Ketkar and others challenge the panel’s move in Bombay High Court
March 2026
Senior journalist Kumar Ketkar, a presidential candidate for the elections, along with others, challenges the panel’s move in the Bombay High Court.