HC upholds State’s decision to appoint administrators to four Nagpur APMCs
   Date :01-Nov-2026

Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
n Kalmeshwar, Kamptee, Hingna and Katol committees had challenged the Govt’s decision
 
The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has upheld the Maharashtra Government’s decision to appoint administrators to four Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in Nagpur district after postponing their elections.
A Division Bench of Justice Anil S Kilor and Justice Rajnish R Vyas dismissed petitions filed by the APMCs of Kalmeshwar, Kamptee, Hingna and Katol. The committees had challenged appointment of administrators and sought an extension of their elected bodies’ terms. The committees’ five-year terms had expired on October 17, 2026. They submitted voters’ lists, deposited election expenses and sought an extension on August 10.
However, their request remained pending. The State Government had postponed elections through a notification issued on September 8. It cited the Kharif season, Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters’ lists, Census work, loan waiver scheme and other special reasons. Administrators were subsequently appointed on October 19 under Section 15A of the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963. The petitioners argued that the delay was beyond their control. They sought an extension under Section 14(3) or the appointment of a Board of Administrators comprising existing committee members.
 
The State opposed the pleas, arguing that the provisions for extending a committee’s term did not apply when elections were postponed under Section 14(3A).
The Bench held that the two provisions deal with different situations. It said that when elections are postponed under Section 14(3A), administrators can be appointed after the committee’s term expires. However, the court observed that the Government should consider appointing a Board of Administrators, including existing members, before choosing an individual officer. Advocates Ajay Ghare, Omkar Ghare, Mohit Khajanchi and Anurag Mankar appeared for the petitioners. Senior Advocate Devendra Chauhan, assisted by AGP Nitin Rao, represented the State. Advocate Shantanu Ghate appeared for the Election Authority.