- 1 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 3RD DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2025 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MRS JUSTICE K.S. HEMALEKHA WRIT PETITION NO. 1858 OF 2025 (CS-EL/M) C/W WRIT PETITION NO. 1865 OF 2025 (CS-EL/M) WRIT PETITION NO. 1868 OF 2025 (CS-EL/M) WRIT PETITION NO. 1893 OF 2025 (CS-EL/M) IN WP No. 1858/2025 BETWEEN: 1. M.C SAMBULINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS, S/O CHENNABASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5045 2. G M BOMMALINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS, S/O MAHADEVAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5038 3. G N PREMA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, W/O NANJAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5044 4. G NAGENDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, S/O GANGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5037 Digitally signed by MAHALAKSHMI B M Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA - 2 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 5. C CHIKKAPPA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, S/O CHENNAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5025 6. SHIVAPPA B K AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS, S/O KARIYAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5019 7. R K SUNIL AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, D/O KUMARAPPA R S , MEMBERSHIP NO.5121 8. R S KUMARAPPA S/O ERAPPA, AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, MEMBERSHIP NO.5196 9. R K ANIL AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, S/O KUMARAPPA R S . MEMBERSHIP NO.5198 10. MANGALAMMA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, W/O KUMARAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5197 11. REKUKAMMA G V AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS, W/O KALLESHAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5119 - 3 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 12. R S KALLESHAPPA AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, S/O SHARANAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5195 13. PARVATHAPPA K AGED ABOUT 85 YEARS, S/O KAREGOWDAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5058 14. K M SHIVAKUMARAPPA AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS, S/O MAHADEVAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5060 15. GOWRAMMA AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, W/O DASHARATHAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5070 16. MEENASATISH AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, W/O SATISH, MEMBERSHIP NO.5076 17. B K BASAVARAJU AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS, S/O KUMARAPPA E P, MEMBERSHIP NO.5008 18. VENKATESH NAIK AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, S/O UMAINAIK, MEMBERSHIP NO.5155 - 4 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 19. KALANAIK AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, S/O UMLANAIK, MEMBERSHIP NO.5156 20. SHIVAMURTHAPPA AGED ABOUT 72 YEARS, S/O RUDRAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5132 21. MAHALINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS, S/O MALLAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5133 22. UMAPATHI AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS, S/O SHANKARAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.5043 ALL ARE MEMBERS OF HOLALKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK-577 526 CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. …PETITIONERS (BY SRI. JAI PRAKASH REDDY M., ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATION, M S BUILDING, BANGALORE-560001 - 5 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 2. THE CO-OPERATIVE ELECTION AUTHORITY 3RD FLOOR, SHANTHINAGAR, TTMC A BLOCK, K H ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR, BENGALURU-560027 BY ITS COMMISSIONER 3. THE RETURNING OFFICER HOLALKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK-577526 CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. 4. HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK-577526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT, BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, REGISTERED UNDER THE KARNATAKA CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT 1959 …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. SIDHARTH BABU RAO, AGA FOR R1 AND R3; SRI. T.L. KIRAN KUMAR, ADVOCATE FOR R2) THIS W.P. IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS TO CONDUCT THE ELECTIONS TO THE R-4 SOCIETY BY INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE PETITIONERS IN THE ELIGIBLE VOTERS LIST OF R-4 SOCIETY AS PER CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATED 09.01.2025 VIDE ANNEXURE-B ISSUED BY R-3 AND ETC. - 6 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 IN WP NO. 1865/2025 BETWEEN: 1. KUMARADYA N N S/O VISHWAKUMARA SHARMA AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO.4953 2. LOKESHAPPA M S/O K MALLAPPA AGED ABOUT 68 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4702 3. VIDYADHARA K M S/O OMKARAPPA K G AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4962 4. DEVENDRAPPA H S/O MAHADEVAPPA AGED ABOUT 82 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4668 5. SHANMUKAPPA K M S/O MAHADEVAPPA AGED ABOUT 69 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4835 6. CHANDRAPPA R S/O RUDRAPPA G K AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO.4828 7. UMAPATHI K T S/O THIMMAPPA - 7 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 AGED ABOUT 72 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4829 8. SRIKANTAPPA K.B S/O THIMAPPA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4830 9. THUNGAMMA K S W/O KUBERAPPA AGED ABOUT 61 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO.4853 10. BASAVARAJAPPA K V S/O VEERABHADRAPPA AGED ABOUT 63 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO.4855 11. SHIVALINGAPPA S/O VEERABHADRAPPA AGED ABOUT 86 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4859 12. SIDAPPA K S/O KENCHAVEERAPPA AGED ABOUT 62 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4860 13. RATHNAMMA W/O RANGAPPA AGED ABOUT 78 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4716 14. JAYAMMA W/O NANDIBASAPPA - 8 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 AGE 70 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4768 15. SAROJAMMA W/O ESHWARAPPA G AGED ABOUT 83 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4701 16. JAGADEESH M S/O MAHADEVAPPA AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4911 17. BASAVARAJAPPA S/O GIRIYAPPA AGED ABOUT 69 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4938 18. RAJAPPA S/O REVANASIDDAPPA AGED ABOUT 69 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO.4938 19. RAMESH S/O SANKAPPA AGED ABOUT 67 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4939 20. YESHWANTHAPPA K.R S/O RAJAPPA K AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4963 21. LOKAPPA G.B S/O BASAPPA - 9 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 AGED ABOUT 69 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4968 22. SHIVALINGAPPA S/O BASAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4968 23. SOMASHEKARAPPA B.G S/O GOVINDAPPA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4666 24. PURUSHOTHAM B C S/O CHANNAKESHAVAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4704 25. JAYAPPA S/O MAHADEVAPPA AGED ABOUT 72 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4948 26. RATHNAMMA W/O VEERABHADRAPPA AGED ABOUT 77 YEARS MEMBERSHIP NO. 4943 ALL ARE MEMBERS OF HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. JAI PRAKASH REDDY M, ADVOCATE) - 10 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA BY ITS ECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE - 560 001. 2. THE CO-OPERATIVE ELECTION AUTHORITY, 3RD FLOOR, T.T.M.C. 'A' BLOCK, SHANTHI NAGAR, BANGALORE - 560 027, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY. 3. THE RETURNING OFFICER HOLAKERE, PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. 4. HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT, BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REGISTERED UNDER THE KARNATAKA CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT 1959. ...RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. YOGESH D. NAIK, AGA FOR R1 AND R3; SRI. T.L. KIRAN KUMAR, ADVOCATE FOR R2) THIS W.P. IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS TO CONDUCT THE ELECTIONS TO THE R-4 SOCIETY BY INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE R-4 SOCIETY BY INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE PETITIONERS IN THE ELIGIBLE VOTERS LIST OF R-4 SOCIETY AS PER CALENDAR - 11 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 OF EVENTS DATED 09.01.2025 VIDE ANNX-B ISSUED BY R- 3 AND ETC., IN WP NO. 1868/2025 BETWEEN: 1. B.M. MARULA SIDDAIAH AGED ABOUT 85 YEARS, S/O BASAVAIAH, MEMBERSHIP NO.4258 2. G H MAHESHWARAPPA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS, S/O HANUMANTHAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4281 3. A ANNAIAH AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS, S/O SIDRAMAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4292 4. S N RUDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, S/O NAGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4290 5. SEENAPPA AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, S/O CHOWDAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4264 6. K B RUDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 80 YEARS, S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4278 - 12 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 7. MALLAMMA AGED ABOUT 27 YEARS, W/O KALLAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4293 8. S N ONKARAPPA S/O NAGAPPA, AGED ABOUT 76 YEARS, MEMBERSHIP NO.4291 9. G C RAVI KUMAR AGED ABOUT 61 YEARS, S/O CHIKKAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4295 10. MANJUNATH AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS, S/O HALAPPA G, MEMBERSHIP NO.4303 11. JAGADEESH K H AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, S/O HALAPPA G, MEMBERSHIP NO.4262 12. B VENKATESH AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS, S/O BASAVANTHAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4266 13. B SRINIVAS MURTHY AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, S/O BASAVANTHAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4267 - 13 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 14. RUDRESH AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, S/O CHANDRAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4272 15. AJJAPPA AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS, S/O DODDARANGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4236 16. SHEKARAPPA G.V AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, S/O VEERABHADRAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4110 17. ONKARAPPA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS, S/O RUDRAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4102 18. BHEEMACHARI AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, S/O HANUMANTHACHARI, MEMBERSHIP NO.4098 19. SUVARNAMMA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, W/O MARULAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4089 20. SHIVANNA G S AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS, S/O SIDRAMAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4099 - 14 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 21. CHANDRAMMA AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS, W/O MAHADEVAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4105 22. PARAMESHWARAPPA G M AGED ABOUT 85 YEARS, S/O MALLAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4083 23. GANGADHARAPPA G S AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, S/O NAGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4091 24. JAYARAM AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS, S/O RAMALINGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4109 25. MALLIKARJUNA G M AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS, S/O MALLAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4104 ALL ARE MEMBERS OF HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. JAI PRAKASH REDDY M, ADVOCATE) - 15 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE - 560 001. 2. THE CO-OPERATIVE ELECTION AUTHORITY, 3RD FLOOR, SHANTHINAGAR, TTMC A BLOCK, K H ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR, BENGALURU - 560 027, BY ITS COMMISSIONER. 3. THE RETURNING OFFICER HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. 4. HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526 CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, REGISTERED UNDER THE KARNATAKA CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT 1959 ...RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. SIDHARTH BABU RAO, AGA FOR R1 AND R3; SRI. T.L. KIRAN KUMAR, ADVOCATE FOR R2) THIS W.P. IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS CONDUCT THE ELECTIONS TO THE R-4 SOCIETY BY INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE PETITIONERS IN THE ELIGIBLE VOTES LIST OF R-4 SOCIETY AS PER CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATED 09.01.2025 VIDE ANNX-B ISSUED BY R-3 AND ETC., - 16 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 IN WP NO. 1893/2025 BETWEEN: 1. SADASHIVAPPA AGED ABOUT 80 YEARS, S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4307 2. VEERABHADRAPPA AGED ABOUT 68 YEARS, S/O VEERAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4311 3. PRABHUDEVA AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS, S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4338 4. H N MAHALINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 82 YEARS, S/O HOLEYAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4360 5. RAMOJAPPA H G AGED ABOUT 85 YEARS, S/O SHANKARALINGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4363 6. THIPESWAMY AGED ABOUT 72 YEARS, S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4375 7. DEVAMMA AGED ABOUT 64 YEARS, - 17 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 W/O SHIVANAGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4414 8. JAYAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, S/O NINGAPPA MEMBERSHIP NO.4419 9. PARAMESHWARAPPA AGED ABOUT 70 YEARS, S/O SANNAHALAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4460 10. RUDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 63 YEARS, S/O SANNAHALAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4461 11. SHIVAMURTHAPPA AGED ABOUT 80 YEARS, S/O ELIGARA BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4463 12. PURADAPPA AGED ABOUT 62 YEARS, S/O OBAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4480 13. GANGADHARAPPA AGED ABOUT 78 YEARS, S/O HORAKERAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4577 14. VISHWANATHAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS, - 18 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4555 15. CHANDRASHEKARAPPA AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, S/O M E ESHWARAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4643 16. BASAVARAJAPPA AGED ABOUT 68 YEARS, S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4646 17. RAMACHANDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS, S/O DASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4464 18. MAHANTESH AGED ABOUT 61 YEARS, S/O RANGAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4391 19. SAVAMMA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS, W/O BASAIAH M S , MEMBERSHIP NO.4457 20. RUDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 69 YEARS, S/O RAJAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4475 21. CHANDRASHEKARAPPA AGED ABOUT 69 YEARS, - 19 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 S/O MUNIYAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4564 22. HANUMANTHAPPA G B AGED ABOUT 72 YEARS, S/O BASAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4568 23. VIJAYAKUMAR R AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS, S/O REVANASIDDAPPA, MEMBERSHIP NO.4434 ALL ARE MEMBERS OF HOLAKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. JAI PRAKASH REDDY M, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF CO OPERATION, M S BUILDING, BANGALORE - 560 001 2. THE CO-OPERATIVE ELECTION AUTHORITY 3RD FLOOR, SHANTHINAGAR, TTMC A BLOCK, K H ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR, BENGALURU - 560 027, BY ITS COMMISSIONER. 3. THE RETURNING OFFICER, HOLAKERE, - 20 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526, CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. 4. HOLALKERE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD., HOLALKERE, HOLALKERE TALUK - 577 526 CHITRADURGA DISTRICT. BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, REGISTERED UNDER THE KARNATAKA CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT 1959. ...RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. YOGESH D. NIAK, AGA FOR R1 AND R3; SRI. T.L. KIRAN KUMAR, ADVOCATE FOR R2) THIS W.P. IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS TO CONDUCT THE ELECTIONS TO THE R-4 SOCIETY BY INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE PETITIONERS IN THE ELIGIBLE VOTERS LIST OF R-4 SOCIETY AS PER CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATED 09.01.2025 VIDE ANNX-B ISSUED BY R-3 AND ETC., THESE PETITIONS, COMING ON FOR ORDERS, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MRS JUSTICE K.S. HEMALEKHA - 21 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 ORAL ORDER Petitioners in all the petitions are seeking to direct respondents to include the names of petitioners in the eligible voters list and permit the petitioners to cast their votes in the election of respondent No.4-Bank which was scheduled to be held on 28.01.2025. 2. This Court, by way of interim arrangement on 24.01.2025, permitted the petitioners to cast their votes in the ensuing elections scheduled to be held on 28.01.2025 to the Managing Committee of respondent No.4-Bank subject to the final outcome of these writ petitions. 3. The challenge in these writ petitions is on the premise that notice under Rule 13 of the Karnataka Co- Operative Societies Rules, 1960 (‘the KCS Rules, 1960’ for short) is not issued. 4. Rule 13-D of the KCS Rules, 1960 reads as under: - 22 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 “13-D. Preparation of electoral rolls and calendar of events.–(1) Election Officer shall, after due verification, send a consolidated list of all co- operative societies in the district where elections are due at least 120 days before the date of expiry of the term of office of the boards to the Co-operative Election Authority indicating therein the following particulars.– (a) the name and address of the society; (b) number of elected directors of the board; (c) the date of expiry of the term of office of the board; (d) the proposed places where the elections are to be held or other particulars as required by the Co-operative Election Authority. (2) The Co-operative Election Authority shall, on receipt of such reports from the Election Officer, containing the list of cooperative societies where elections are due, publish the calendar of events for the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections of the boards of the co- operative societies indicating the name and address of each society. (2-A) The election officer shall take steps for publication of voter list who are not eligible to vote in the following manner, namely.– - 23 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (i) For publication of draft ineligible electoral list, the chief executive of every cooperative Society shall prepare notice in respect of members not attending three out of the last five annual general body, meetings and members not utilising such minimum services or facilities in a co-operative year as specified in the bye-laws for three consecutive co- operative years. (ii) The chief executive of every co-operative society shall send above prepared notice to all ineligible members, fifteen days prior to six months to the date of election of the board by registered post and an opportunity shall be given to such member to file their objections, if any within fifteen days from the date of notice. (iii) The chief executive of every co-operative society shall submit the list of ineligible voters to the election officer along with their objections and also produce the records pertaining to absence from general body meeting with attendance and services utilised by members. He has to produce the records for having sent the notice along with acknowledgement to the election officer within - 24 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 thirty days from the date of notice as specified by the election officer. (iv) The chief executive of every cooperative society shall state in his notice that the ineligible voter can appear before the election officer between thirty days to sixty days from the date of notice to get the remedy. v) The election officer has to hear and dispose the objections filed by the ineligible voters within sixty days from the days of submission of objections from such voters. (vi) The final list of ineligible voters shall be published on or before fifteen clear days prior to the date of election. (3) The Election Officer shall take steps for publication of voters list in the following manner, namely.– (a) for publication of draft eligible list, a list of defaulters, a list of members whose repayment falls due, before the election date clear fifty days; (b) for calling objections, if any, calling upon the defaulter members to repay the amounts due to the co-operative societies on or before thirty clear days prior to the date of election; - 25 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (c) the scrutiny and verification of the voters list after payment by defaulters etc., clear twenty days before the date of election; (d) for publication of final eligible voters list before fifteen clear days prior to the date of election. (4) It shall be the duty of every society to furnish correct information required by the Election Officer to enable him to approve the electoral rolls as directed by the Co-operative Election Authority. (5) The chief executive of every co- operative society shall prepare (i) a draft list of the eligible members or representatives and delegates with right to vote, (ii) a list of members whose repayments will fall due before the date fixed for publication of final electoral roll, (iii) a list of defaulters, (iv) a list of other members or representatives and delegates who are not eligible to vote at a general election indicating the reasons for ineligibility memberwise on the basis of entries in the updated membership register specifying,– (a) the name of the member or representative, the admission number, the name of the parent or husband and the address of such member or representative in the case of an individual member; - 26 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (b) the admission number, the name of the society, the name of the delegate proposed to represent the society in the case of a member society, and submit the said lists to the Election Officer along with the related books, records and documents and any other information as the Election Officer may require, at least sixty days before the date of election. (6) The Co-operative Election Authority shall call upon the Chief Executive of the co-operative society to obtain from the member society, the name of an authorised member of the board of such society as a delegate, together with the resolution of the board of the said society and the specimen signature along with the photograph of the delegate duly attested and bearing the seal of the society and furnish all such information under sub-rule (5). (7) The final electoral roll shall consist of the following,– (a) all the individual members with right to vote in respect of a primary co-operative society; or - 27 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (b) all the individual members and the delegates of the members societies with right to vote in respect of a secondary co-operative society; or (c) all the delegates of the member societies with right to vote in respect of a federal and an apex society. (8) The copy of such electoral roll in respect of each society shall be kept open for inspection in the office of such society as also in the office of the Election Officer. (9) The election calendar of events for general election of directors of the board shall provide for.– (a) date of notification inviting nomination; (b) last date for receipt of nomination; (c) date and time for scrutiny of nomination; (d) date and time for publication of list of validly nominated candidates; (e) date and time for withdrawal of nomination papers; (f) Date and time for publication list of contesting candidates; (g) Date and time for allotment of symbols and publication of contesting candidates with symbols; (h) Date and time of poll; - 28 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (i) Date and time of counting and declaration of results.” 5. The Co-Ordinate Bench of this Court in the case of Sri. B Ganganna and others Vs. The State of Karnataka, Department of Co Operation and others1 (B Ganganna) had given deliberate consideration to the provisions of Rule 13-D of the KCS Rules, 1960 and adjudication of dispute under Section 70 of the Karnataka Co-Operative Societies Act, 1959 (‘KCS Act, 1959’ for short). The Co-Ordinate Bench of this Court framed the following points for consideration at paragraph No.9, which reads as under: “9. In the light of the contentions raised, the following questions arise for consideration; (a) Whether a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is maintainable (before the publication of the calendar of events under Rule 14) to redo the voters’ list for violation of Rule 13- D(2-A) of the Rules, 1960, in preparing the eligible and ineligible voters’ list? 1 ILR 2024 KAR 1901 - 29 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (b) Whether the authority acting under Section 70(2)(c) of the Act, 1959 can decide the validity of the electoral roll vis-à-vis Rule 13-D(2-A) of Rules, 1960? (c) Whether the judgments of co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Mohammad Beary and H.S. Raju supra are per incurium and contrary to the law in Election Commission of India through Secretary supra.” (Emphasis supplied) 6. The Co-Ordinate Bench after giving deliberate consideration to various judgments has held at paragraph Nos.50 and 51 as under: “50. For the reasons recorded, this Court concludes as under: (a) The preparation of electoral roll under Rule, 13-D(2-A) of the Karnataka Co-Operative Rules 1960 is an integral part of the election process in the context of a question whether the writ petition is maintainable when the challenge is laid to the procedure initiated for preparing electoral roll. (b) In a dispute under Section 70(2)(c) of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, the Authority under Section 70 can decide the - 30 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 question on the validity of electoral roll prepared under the Rules, 1960 and its impact on the election. (c) The judgments in MOHAMMAD BEARY and H.S. RAJU are not per incurium (d) The writ petition under Article 226 of Constitution of India to challenge the electoral roll on the ground of non compliance of Rule 13-D(2-A) of Rules, may lie in exceptional cases. 51. Based on the conclusions arrived at in the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the view that no exceptional case is made out in this petition to exercise Article 226 jurisdiction. This Court has not expressed any opinion on the eligible and ineligible voters’ list prepared during the pendency of the petition. Hence, the following: ORDER Writ petition is disposed of on the following terms: (i) The returning officer shall count the votes cast in the election held on 21.01.2024, to the Board of the 6th respondent bank, and shall announce the results. (ii) The liberty is reserved to the petitioners or any aggrieved person to raise objections to - 31 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 the validity of the electoral roll in an election petition under Section 70(2)(c) of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959. (iii) If such a dispute is raised, the Authority under Section 70 of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, shall examine all questions including the question relating to validity of the eligible and ineligible voters’ list and impact on the election to the Board of the 6th respondent – Bank. (iv) Nothing is expressed on the merits of the eligible and ineligible voters' list published during the pendency of the petition and said question kept open to be decided in the dispute under Section 70 of the Karnataka Co- operative Societies Act, 1959, if raised.” 7. Section 70 of the KCS Act, 1959 reads as under: “70. Disputes which may be referred to Registrar for decision.–(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, if any dispute touching the constitution, management, or the business of a co-operative society arises.– - 32 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (a) among members, past members and persons claiming through members, past members and deceased members, or (b) between a member, past member or person claiming through a member, past member or deceased member and the society, its board or any officer, agent or employee of the society, or (c) between the society or its board and any past board, any officer, agent or employee, or any past officer, past agent or past employee or the nominee, heirs, or legal representatives of any deceased officer, deceased agent, or deceased employee of the society, or (d) between the society and any other co- operative society, or a credit agency. such dispute shall be referred to the Registrar for decision and no civil or Labour or Revenue Court or Industrial Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or other proceeding in respect of such dispute. (2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the following shall be deemed to be disputes touching the constitution, management or the business of a co-operative society, namely.– - 33 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 (a) a claim by the society for any debt or demand due to it from a member or the nominee, heirs or legal representatives of a deceased member, whether such debt or demand be admitted or not; (b) a claim by a surety against the principal debtor where the society has recovered from the surety any amount in respect of any debt or demand due to it from the principal debtor, as a result of the default of the principal debtor whether such debt or demand is admitted or not; (c) any dispute arising in connection with the election of a President, Vice-president or any office-bearer or Member of board of the society. (d) any dispute between a co-operative society and its employees or past employees or heirs or legal representatives of a deceased employee, including a dispute regarding the terms of employment, working conditions and disciplinary action taken by a co-operative society notwithstanding anything contrary contained in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Central Act 14 of 1947); (e) a claim by a co-operative society for any deficiency caused in the assets of the co- - 34 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 operative society by a member, past member, deceased member or deceased officer, past agent or deceased agent or by any servant, past servant or deceased servant or by its board, past or present whether such loss be admitted or not. (3) If any question arises whether a dispute referred to the Registrar under this section is a dispute touching the constitution, management or the business of a co-operative society, the decision thereon of the Registrar shall be final and shall not be called in question in any court. (4) x x x x x (5) x x x x x” 8. The plain reading of Section 70 makes it clear that an extensive and exhaustive mechanism is provided under the aforesaid Section and the authority under Section 70 can decide the question on the validity of electoral roll prepared under the Rules, 1960 and its impact on the elections, whether the petitioners are the eligible voters and have paid membership dues, or annual general body meetings are attended or availed the - 35 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 minimum services are all questions of fact, which have to be decided under Section 70 of the KCS Act, 1959 and the writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to challenge the electoral roll, the petitioners have not made out any exceptional case in these petitions to be entertained and the decision of the Co-Ordinate Bench of this Court in the case of B. Ganganna as stated supra is squarely applicable to the present facts and the present petitions need to be disposed of in similar terms and hence, the following: ORDER i. The Returning Officer shall count the votes cast in the elections held on 28.01.2025 to the Managing Committee of respondent No.4-Bank and shall announce the results. ii. Liberty is reserved to the petitioners or any aggrieved party to raise objections to the validity of the electoral by filing an Election Petition under Section 70(2) of the KCS Act, 1959. - 36 - NC: 2025:KHC:4913 WP No. 1858 of 2025 C/W WP No. 1865 of 2025 WP No. 1868 of 2025 AND WP No. 1893 of 2025 iii. If any dispute is raised under the provisions of KCS Act, 1959 the authority under Section 70 of the KCS Act, 1959 shall examine all questions including the questions relating to the validity of the eligible and ineligible voters list and impact of the election to the Managing Committee of respondent No.4-Bank. iv. All the contentions of the parties are kept open. v. This Court has not expressed merits and demerits on eligibility or ineligibility of the voters list. vi. With the said observations, the writ petitions stand disposed of. Sd/- ________________________ JUSTICE K.S. HEMALEKHA AT List No.: 1 Sl No.: 39 CT: BHK