The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday heard preliminary arguments in petitions challenging the by-election to the Ponda Assembly constituency, adjourning the matter for further hearing on April 1.
The petitions, filed this month, question the validity of the notification issued by the Election Commission of India for conducting the by-election on April 9. The seat fell vacant following the demise of former Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik on October 14, 2025.
The petitioners raised objections to the conduct of the by-poll, contending that it is not mandatory under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 if less than one year remains for the expiry of the Legislative Assembly’s term.
They argued that with general elections in Goa due within a year, proceeding with the by-election would result in the elected representative serving only a brief tenure of a few months. The petitions, therefore, seek cancellation of the poll notification.
