Despite the court's explicit warning that further delays would be seen as defying constitutional provisions and invite strict action, the government didn't comply.

Later, on January 16, 2025, the Chief Secretary gave a written undertaking that polls would be held within four months -- an assurance that was also not fulfilled.

The contempt petition was filed in the Jharkhand High Court by outgoing councillor Roshni Khalkho.

Advocate Vinod Singh, representing the petitioner, argued in the court that the records make it evident that the officials deliberately ignored the High Court’s order, and that all those involved at different stages must face contempt action.

Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary was present in person before the High Court during the hearing. This marked her third personal appearance in the ongoing contempt case.

Earlier, Roshni Khalkho and others had filed a petition in the High Court against the government for not holding the elections even after the completion of the tenure of the local urban bodies.

Notably, elections in 34 municipal bodies of the state have been pending since May 14, 2020.

In such a situation, instead of public representatives, the administration of Municipal bodies is being looked after by the Municipal Commissioner, Additional Municipal Commissioner or their officials.