Delhi High Court Asks ECI to Expedite Decision on Kavitha’s New Party Registration

New Delhi, March 2026 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission of India to take an expeditious decision on an application filed by former Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha for registering her proposed political party, ‘Telangana Praja Jagruti’.

A single-judge bench of Justice Amit Bansal issued the direction while hearing a writ petition filed by Kavitha in her capacity as president of the proposed outfit. The petition alleged inaction by the poll body in processing her application under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

According to the plea, the party was formally constituted on January 19, 2026, during a general body meeting where its constitution was adopted and office bearers were authorised to seek official registration. Subsequently, a detailed application was submitted to the ECI on January 23, accompanied by all necessary documents, including the party constitution, notarised affidavits, a membership list of 151 individuals, certified meeting minutes, alternative party names, and the prescribed fee.

The application was acknowledged by the ECI on January 27. However, Kavitha’s petition claimed that no further action had been taken, including scrutiny of the application, issuance of a public notice, or providing an opportunity for a hearing as mandated under Section 29A(7).

“Despite a reasonable lapse of time, the respondent has not initiated the statutory process, leaving the application pending without explanation,” the petition stated.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Kavitha argued that Telangana is currently witnessing ongoing and upcoming local body elections, including municipal corporations and Zilla Parishad and Mandal Parishad constituencies. She contended that the delay has significantly affected her party’s ability to participate in these elections under its own name and symbol.

The petition further argued that the delay was arbitrary and violated constitutional rights under Articles 14 and 19(1)(c), which guarantee equality and the freedom to form associations. It warned that continued inaction could cause “grave and irreparable prejudice” to the proposed party’s electoral prospects.

Taking note of these submissions, the High Court directed the ECI to decide on the application promptly and disposed of the petition.

Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, had earlier announced plans to launch a new political outfit aimed at emerging as a key opposition force in the state. She has also expressed her intention to contest the upcoming Assembly elections, with constituencies such as Siddipet or Bodhan under consideration.

Kavitha had parted ways with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi last year following differences with its leadership, marking a significant shift in Telangana’s political landscape.