Bombay High Court Dismisses Challenges to Unopposed Wins in Maharashtra Civic Polls

The Bombay High Court dismissed petitions challenging unopposed victories in Maharashtra's municipal corporation elections, stating such wins are valid under election laws. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Avinash Jadhav alleged that mass withdrawals of rival candidates were due to coercion, threatening the polls' fairness. The court noted it cannot intervene once elections have commenced and directed petitioners to approach after polling. The State Election Commission has sought reports to verify claims of intimidation in 29 civic bodies where 66 candidates won unopposed.