ATMA SINGH & ORS. vs STATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911, specifically subsection (3) of section 5, the State Government cannot hold elections for councillors without delimiting the municipality into new wards when there is an extension of municipal limits. The Court emphasized that the purpose of delimitation is to ensure fair representation for all citizens. However, the elections held on June 10, 1979, were deemed valid due to a stay order from the Punjab High Court, which prevented the reconstitution of wards prior to the elections.