The Supreme Court on Friday directed that elections to the five municipal corporations in Bengaluru be held in December 2026, taking note of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana observed that since the SIR exercise is expected to conclude in November, the civic polls should be scheduled thereafter.

"In view of the fact that Karnataka is having SIR and process will be completed in November, it is directed that elections of all five corporations be held in December, 2026," the bench ordered.

The Court passed the order on the request of Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal for the State of Karnataka. Earlier, the Court had set the deadline of August 31 for the completion of the elections in the Bengaluru civic bodies.

Case Title: THE STATE OF KARNATAKA Versus M. SHIVARAJU AND ORS., SLP(C) No. 15181-15183/2020