Poll officials say nomination papers will not be accepted on public holidays

Election officials here have clarified that nomination papers for the April 9 Assembly election will not be accepted on public holidays.

The matter had required a clarification after political parties cited the limited time left for the polls and the intervening holidays, including the holiday for Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan), at a meeting here on Monday. March 23 (Monday) is the last date for filing nominations as per the Election Commission of India schedule.

“Nomination papers may be presented on any day fixed for filing nominations, which is not a public holiday. Returning officers shall not receive nomination papers on public holidays declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,” a March 18 order issued by Rathan U. Kelkar, Chief Electoral Officer and Secretary, Election Department, said, referring to provisions in the Returning Officer’s Handbook.

Political parties have been asked to advise their candidates accordingly to ensure timely and valid submission of the papers.

As per Section 33(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, nomination papers shall not be delivered to 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. As per the list of public holidays for 2026 published by the General Administration Department, March 20 is given as holiday for Id-Ul-Fitr, but subject to change depending on the appearance of the moon, the order says.