Andhra Pradesh High Court Rejects Plea to Extend Municipal Election Nomination Deadline
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has declined to direct the State Election Commission (SEC) to extend the deadline for filing nominations for municipal local body elections, according to a report published by The New Indian Express on October 19, 2026.
The decision came after the court considered a supplementary petition filed by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) state general secretary L. Appi Reddy. The petition sought an extension of the nomination deadline after the filing period had closed.
Why Was an Extension Requested?
Appi Reddy challenged an earlier order dated October 15 that rejected a request to establish special nomination centres at district collectorates.
The petitioner argued that rules introduced in 2026 allowed the State Election Commission to modify the election schedule and requested a one-day extension for filing nominations.
However, the SEC opposed the request, arguing that extending the deadline after nominations had closed at 3 pm could disrupt the election schedule.
What Did the High Court Decide?
A division bench comprising Justice N. Jayasurya and Justice Ch. Purushotham Kumar declined to direct the SEC to extend the nomination deadline.
The court noted the SEC’s argument about the possible disruption to the election timetable and observed that ordering an extension after the deadline had expired would amount to judicial interference in the process.
The bench also clarified that if the SEC rejected a representation, that decision could be challenged separately before the appropriate forum.
The court adjourned the hearing on the main appeals to October 26 and directed the state government and the State Election Commission to file counter-affidavits.
When Are Andhra Pradesh Municipal Elections Scheduled?
According to The New Indian Express report, polling for the urban local body elections is scheduled for October 28, 2026, with counting scheduled for October 30.
The court’s refusal to order an extension means there is no extension granted through this particular petition. Candidates and voters should refer to official State Election Commission notifications for the applicable election schedule and any subsequent developments.
What Happens Next?
The next legal development may come when the main appeals are heard on October 26. The state government and the SEC have been directed to submit their responses before the court.
The election process will continue according to the applicable schedule unless the competent authority or court issues a further order.
Voters should check official election announcements for polling details, candidate information and other instructions relevant to their municipal area.
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has refused to order an extension of the municipal election nomination deadline in response to the supplementary petition filed by YSRCP leader L. Appi Reddy.
With polling scheduled for October 28 and counting on October 30, the next developments will depend on official election updates and the proceedings in the pending appeals.
