Srinagar, Nov 11: The by-election to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat must be held on or before May 2, 2027, as the law governing elections mandates that casual vacancies be filled within six months.
Under Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a casual vacancy must be filled within six months from the date on which it occurs.
“Notwithstanding anything contained in Sections 147, 149, 150 and 151, a bye-election for filling any vacancy referred to in any of the said sections shall be held within a period of six months from the date of the occurrence of the vacancy,” the Act states.
The law, however, provides that a bye-election is not required to be held if the remainder of the term of the vacant seat is less than one year.
In the case of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, this exception does not apply. The current Lok Sabha is scheduled to complete its term on June 23, 2029. As of the date of the vacancy, more than two years and seven months of the House’s term remain.
The law also provides another exception under which the six-month deadline may be relaxed if the Election Commission, after consulting the Central Government, certifies that it is difficult to conduct the bye-election within the stipulated period.
The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat fell vacant on November 3, 2026, following the resignation of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi.
The by-election may be held independently or clubbed with Assembly elections scheduled in several states early next year. (KNO)
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