Date: 2026-02-24Category: Not ApplicableState: MaharashtraCountry: India
भाग पाच, असा. क्रमांक २, सन २०२६ चे विधानसभा विधेयक क्रमांक २.
महाराष्ट्र जिल्हा परिषद व पंचायत समित्या अधिनियम, १९६६१ यात सुधारणा करण्यासाठी विधयक. मंगळवार. २४ फेब्रुवारी २०२६.
**Executive Summary**
This document is the legislative bill No. II of 2026 to amend the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961. The bill was introduced in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on February 24, 2026, and aims to convert the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 into law. The bill seeks to remove the provision for appeals to district courts against the decisions of election officers regarding nomination papers.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Short Title and Commencement:**
* The Act is called the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis (Amendment) Act, 2026.
* It came into effect on December 26, 2025.
* **Amendment to Section 14 of the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961:**
* The state government will make rules for conducting elections, and these elections will be held according to the rules.
* The decision of the election officer accepting or rejecting nomination papers will be final and cannot be challenged in any court.
* **Repeal and Savings:**
* The Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 is repealed.
* Any action taken under the ordinance will still be considered valid.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: State Government**
* **Impact:** Responsible for formulating rules and conducting elections for Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis.
* **Action Required:** To make the rules and conduct the elections, and oversee the process.
**Stakeholder: Election Officers**
* **Impact:** Their decisions regarding nomination papers will be final and cannot be challenged in court.
* **Action Required:** To make an informed, final decision for the election process.
**Stakeholder: Candidates and Political Parties**
* **Impact:** The removal of the appeal process may affect their ability to challenge decisions regarding nomination papers.
* **Action Required:** No action specified.
Key Entities Referenced
Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961: The principal act being amended by this bill regarding local governance in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samitis (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025: The ordinance that this bill seeks to replace with a permanent law.
State Election Commission: Entity that expressed concerns regarding the existing appeals process and is the reason for this bill.
Maharashtra: The state where this legislation applies.