The landscape of local governance in Telangana is defined by strict adherence to legislative frameworks such as the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019, and the GHMC Act, 1955. For aspirants eyeing the 2026 Municipal Elections for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), understanding the intricate rules of eligibility, disqualification, and nomination is not just recommended—it is mandatory.
This guide serves as a definitive resource for potential candidates, election agents, and voters. We break down the complex legal language into actionable insights, covering everything from the “Two-Child Norm” to the nuances of nomination scrutiny.
1. Fundamental Eligibility Criteria for Ward Members
Before launching a campaign, every aspirant must clear the basic hurdles of eligibility. The State Election Commission has established clear baselines regarding age and voter registration status.
Minimum Age Requirements
To contest as a Ward Member in any Municipality or Municipal Corporation, a candidate must demonstrate maturity and legal adulthood.
- The Age Limit: You must be no less than 21 years of age.
- The Cut-off Date: This age is calculated strictly as of the date of scrutiny of nominations.
- Legal Basis: This mandate is enforced under Section 11 of the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019, and Section 21(1) of the GHMC Act, 1955.
Voter Registration Prerequisites
A common misconception is that one can contest from any ward regardless of where they vote. The rules are specific:
- Voter Registration: You cannot contest if you are not a registered voter. You must be a registered voter in any of the wards within the specific Urban Local Body (ULB) where you intend to contest.
- Proposer Requirements: While the candidate can be a voter of any ward in that ULB, the person proposing the candidate (the proposer) must be a registered voter of the specific ward from which the candidate is contesting. If you are a voter in Ward No. 2, you cannot propose a candidate for Ward No. 1.+1
2. The “Two-Child Norm”: Understanding Family Planning Disqualifications
One of the most debated and complex aspects of election eligibility in Telangana is the restriction based on the number of children. This rule varies significantly depending on whether you are contesting for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) or other Municipal Bodies.
For Municipal Bodies (Except GHMC)
If you are contesting in a municipality other than the GHMC, the rule is lenient. A person having more than two children is qualified to contest elections.
For GHMC Candidates
The GHMC Act, 1955, imposes stricter disqualifications under Section 21-B.
- The General Rule: A person with more than two children is generally disqualified.
- The “Grandfather” Clause: If you had more than two children before June 1, 1994, you are not disqualified.
- The Buffer Period: Additional children born within one year of the cut-off date (i.e., up to May 31, 1995) are not counted towards disqualification.
- The Trigger: Disqualification kicks in if one or more children are born after May 31, 1995, resulting in a total exceeding two.
Complex Scenarios and Exceptions
The Election Commission provides specific clarifications for unique family situations:
- Adoption: Children given away in adoption are still counted against the natural/biological parents. They are not counted against the adoptive parents. For example, if a candidate has three children and gives one up for adoption, they still incur disqualification.+1
- Multiple Marriages: If a candidate has two children with a first wife who passed away, and then has one child with a second wife, the candidate (husband) is disqualified (total 3 children). However, the second wife is qualified to contest, as she has given birth to only one child.+1
- Deceased Children: Eligibility is based on living children. If a candidate had three children but one died before the date of scrutiny, they are qualified (as they now have only two living children).
- Pregnancy: A candidate who has two children and is pregnant on the date of scrutiny is qualified. The unborn child is not counted until birth.
- Multiple Births (Twins/Triplets):
- If you had Nil children before 1994 and then had Triplets after 1995, you are Qualified.
- If you had 1 child and then had Twins after 1995, you are Qualified.
- However, if you have 1 child and then have 2 single births (not twins) after 1995, you are Disqualified.
3. Professional and Employment Restrictions
Your current job plays a pivotal role in your ability to file a nomination. The law aims to prevent conflicts of interest between public service and government employment.
Government Employees
- Total Ban: Employees of the State Government, Central Government, or any local authority are disqualified under Section 22(1)(c) of the GHMC Act and Section 12 of the TM Act, 2019.
- Resignation Route: They can only contest if they tender their resignation and it is accepted by the date of scrutiny.
Public Sector Undertakings (APSRTC / Singareni Collieries)
Employees of companies like APSRTC or Singareni Collieries face nuanced rules based on their rank and the government’s share in the company.
- The 25% Rule: Disqualification applies if the government holds 25% or more share in the company.
- Managerial Roles: Even in companies with >25% government share, disqualification specifically targets those employed as a Managing Agent, Manager, or Secretary.
- Regular Employees: Regular employees (who are not Managers/Secretaries) of these corporations are eligible to contest regardless of the government share.
Other Specific Roles
- Anganwadi Workers: They are not eligible to contest elections.
- Fair Price Shop Dealers: They are eligible to contest. The High Court of Telangana has ruled that Fair Price Shop dealers do not hold an office of profit that warrants disqualification.
4. Financial Solvency and Dues
Financial discipline is a prerequisite for public office. Candidates must ensure they do not owe money to the local body they wish to serve.
- Arrears Disqualification: A candidate is disqualified if they have failed to pay arrears of any kind due to the Municipality/Corporation.
- Conditions: This applies if a bill/notice was served and the payment time has expired.
- The Fix: A candidate can regain eligibility if they clear the dues and produce a receipt by the time of scrutiny.
- Scope: This only applies to dues owed to the specific Municipality/Corporation where the candidate is contesting. Arrears owed to a different local body do not cause disqualification.
5. The Nomination Process: Rules and Regulations
Filing a nomination is a procedural minefield. Adhering to the correct limits, times, and protocols is essential to avoid summary rejection.
Filing Limits and Proposers
- Maximum Nominations: A single candidate cannot file more than four nomination papers for the same ward.
- One Candidate, One List: Even if multiple nominations are accepted, the candidate’s name appears only once in the validly nominated candidates list.
- Proposer Eligibility: A proposer can also be a candidate for the same ward; there is no legal bar against this.
Physical Submission Protocols
- Who Can Enter: Only three persons (including the candidate and/or proposer) are allowed into the Returning Officer’s (RO) room to file nominations.
- Absence of Candidate: If the candidate cannot attend, the proposer and two others may deliver the papers.
- Strict Deadlines: No documents can be brought into the office after 5:00 PM on the last day of nomination. If a candidate is physically present just before 5:00 PM without documents, the nomination is received but the lack of documents is noted in the checklist.+1
- Signatures: The nomination paper must be signed at the time of submission. If a signature is missing, it cannot be affixed later, and the nomination will be rejected during scrutiny.
Political Party Forms (Form A & B)
Candidates set up by political parties must submit specific forms to claim the party symbol.
- Form A Deadline: Must be submitted to the District Election Authority/RO by 5:00 PM on the last date for making nominations.
- Form B Deadline: Must be submitted to the RO before 3:00 PM on the last date for withdrawal of candidature.
6. Scrutiny, Objections, and Rejections
The scrutiny phase is where nominations are validated. Returning Officers act in a quasi-judicial capacity.
False Information in Affidavits
- No Summary Rejection: An RO cannot reject a nomination simply because an affidavit contains false information or suppresses facts.
- Counter-Affidavits: If a voter has proof of false information, they must file a sworn affidavit contradicting the candidate’s claims. Both affidavits will be displayed on the notice board.
- Prosecution: If the RO is satisfied the info is wrong, the remedy is not rejection of the nomination, but filing a criminal complaint under Section 177 of the IPC.
Forged Signatures
- Summary Inquiry: If a proposer claims their signature was forged, the RO conducts a summary inquiry.
- Rejection: If the RO concludes the signature is indeed false, the nomination will be rejected. The person who filed the forgery faces prosecution.+1
Unsound Mind
- Proof Required: Mere allegations of mental instability are insufficient. A nomination can only be rejected if there is a declaration by a competent court under the Lunacy Act confirming the candidate is of unsound mind.
7. Withdrawals and Appeals
Withdrawing Candidature
- Procedure: A notice of withdrawal must be signed by the candidate and delivered personally (or by an authorized agent) to the RO.
- No U-Turns: Once a notice of withdrawal is submitted, it cannot be cancelled or withdrawn. The decision is final.
Appeals Against Rejection
- Right to Appeal: If a nomination is rejected, the candidate has the right to appeal.
- Authority: The appeal lies with the District Election Authority (or their authorized deputy).
- Limitation: This appeal provision applies to rejection of nominations in all Municipalities/Corporations except GHMC.
8. Conclusion
Navigating the election rules for Telangana’s Urban Local Bodies requires diligence. From ensuring your proposer is from the correct ward to counting your children according to the specific cutoff dates of 1994 and 1995, every detail counts. The State Election Commission’s guidelines are designed to ensure a fair and transparent process. Candidates are advised to clear all municipal dues, ensure their employment status allows for contestation, and file their papers with strict adherence to the clock.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on the Frequently Asked Questions released by the State Election Commission, Telangana. Candidates should always refer to the latest official notifications and the specific Acts (Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019 and GHMC Act, 1955) for the most current legal standing.
