In a pivotal development for Bengaluru's civic governance, the Supreme Court today heard a petition urging the conduct of long-pending Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections. The three-judge bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and Joymalya Bagchi, indicated that the matter could reach its final stage by December 15, with a high likelihood of announcing the election date on that day.During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Karnataka government, sought 15 days to publish the notification on ward delimitation.

The bench granted time until November 15 for re-delimitation of wards and extended the deadline to December 15 for issuing the final ward reservation notification.Advocate K.N. Phanindra, appearing for the State Election Commission (SEC), informed the court that the election process has already commenced – district and additional election officers have been appointed. However, he emphasized that the SEC would require 2 to 3 months post-notification to complete preparations and conduct the polls smoothly. Telangana's Chevella Tragedy: Tipper Lorry-RTC Bus Collision Kills 20, Including Infant; PM Modi Announces Relief Aid

The BBMP elections have been in limbo for over a decade, leading to severe civic crises across Bengaluru: stalled infrastructure projects, mounting garbage disposal issues, pothole-riddled roads, and overall administrative paralysis. Residents have endured these hardships due to the absence of an elected local body. The original petition was filed in the Supreme Court to compel immediate elections and restore democratic governance in India's IT capital. With today's proceedings pushing the case into its final phase, all eyes are on December 15 – when the apex court is expected to deliver its final order, potentially setting the election timeline and ending years of uncertainty. This could mark the beginning of accountability and development in Bengaluru's 248 wards.