In a significant development soon after the Supreme Court issued notice to the Tripura Government over delays in holding village council elections, the state has moved to appoint an Election Commissioner for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

According to an official notification issued by the Tribal Welfare Department, Governor of Tripura, in exercise of powers under Rule 17(1) of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Election and Conduct of Business) Rules, 1985, has appointed Shri Saradindu Chaudhuri, IAS (Retd.), currently serving as the State Election Commissioner, as the Election Commissioner for the District Council.

The notification, signed by Subhasis Das, Additional Secretary to the Government of Tripura, comes at a time when the apex court has sought the state’s explanation on the delay in conducting the overdue village council polls in TTAADC areas.

The move is being seen as a step by the state government to expedite the electoral process in tribal council areas following judicial scrutiny.