Election officials here have clarified that nomination papers for the April 9 council elections will not be accepted on public holidays.
The matter sought clarification after political parties at a meeting on Monday cited the limited time left for elections and interim holidays, including the Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan) holiday. March 23 (Monday) is the last date for filing nominations as per Election Commission of India schedule.
“Nomination papers may be submitted on any day fixed for the filing of nominations which is not a public holiday. Returning officers will not receive nomination papers on public holidays declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,” said a March 18 order issued by Rathan U. Kelkar, Chief Electoral Officer and Secretary, Electoral Department, referring to the officer’s provisions in the Returning Manual.
Political parties have been asked to give proper advice to their candidates to ensure timely and valid submission of documents.
According to Section 33(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1951, nomination papers are not served on the Returning Officer on a public holiday.
In this context, “public holiday” means a day declared as such under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881. According to the list of public holidays for 2026 published by the General Administration Department, March 20 is listed as a holiday for Id-Ul-Fitr, but it may change depending on the appearance of the moon, the regulation said.
Published – 18 March 2026 21:24 IST
