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High Court of Karnataka · body

2025 DAILYLAW 62875 (KAR)

RAMCHANDRAPPA Y BORJI v. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA

WP/107741/2025 · 2025-12-04

Anant Ramanath Hegde

body2025

Judgment text

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- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA, AT DHARWAD DATED THIS THE 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ANANT RAMANATH HEGDE WRIT PETITION NO. 107806 OF 2025 (LB-ELE) C/W WRIT PETITION NO. 107115 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107404 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107406 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107518 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107533 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107568 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107569 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107694 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107715 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107736 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107741 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107748 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107751 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107773 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107775 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107813 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107852 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107853 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107855 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107928 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107942 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107966 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 107985 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108095 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108115 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108122 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108132 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108158 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108176 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108277 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108278 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108279 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108358 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108359 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108448 OF 2025 (LB-RES), WRIT PETITION NO. 108481 OF 2025 (LB-RES) R Digitally signed by CHANDRASHEKAR LAXMAN KATTIMANI Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA DHARWAD BENCH - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107806 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SHRI ASHFAQ AHAMED S/O. MOHAMED ALI SHEIK, AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT, R/O. WARD NO.15. 2. SMT. SHILPA KODE W/O. WILLIAM KODE, AGE: 46, OCC: VICE PRESIDENT, R/O. WARD NO.26. 3. SMT RUKMINI BAGADE W/O. SANJAY BAGADE, AGE: 48, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.1. 4. SRI BUDDWANT GOWDA PATIL, S/O. SIDDANGOUDA PATIL, AGE: 45, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.2. 5. SRI NANDISH MUNGARWADI S/O. BASAVARAJ MUNGARWADI, AGE: 43, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.3. 6. SRI SANJAY NADIYALKAR S/O. CHANDRAKANTH NADIYALKAR, AGE: 38, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.4. 7. SRI ASIF FAKRUDDIN MUJAWAR S/O. FAKRUDDUN MAJAWAR, AGE: 45, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.5. - 3 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 8. SMT. SHAHIDA PATHAN W/O. AHMED KHAN PATHAN, AGE: 40, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.6. 9. SRI MAULALI MULLA S/O. HASSAN SABH MULLA, AGE: 50, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.7. 10. SRI RAMA DEVI W/O. RAVINDRA, AGE: 50, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.9. 11. SRI ABDUL MAJEED SANADI S/O. MOHAMMED SABH SANADI, AGE: 72, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.10. 12. SRI MAHADEV JAMADAR S/O. ERRANNA JAMADAR, AGE: 42, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.11. 13. SRI VIJAYKUMAR KOLEKAR S/O. NAMDEV KOLEKAR, AGE: 52, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.12. 14. SRI MOHAN HALWAI S/O. KRISHNLAL HALWAI, AGE: 53, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.13. 15. SMT RUHINA KATIB W/O. ILIYAS KATIB, - 4 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 33, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.14. 16. SMT. ANNAPOORNA BAGALKOTE W/O. ERANNA BAGALKOTE, AGE: 55, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.16. 17. SMT. SUDHA JADHAV W/O. RAMALINGA JADHAV, AGE: 55, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.17. 18. SMT PREETI NAIR W/O. UDAY NAIR, AGE: 40, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.29. 19. SMT SARASWATI RAJPUT W/O. BALRAM SINGH, AGE: 67, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.30. 20. SMT. VENKATRAMANAMMA MAITKURI W/O. JHONSON MAITKURI, AGE: 40, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.31. 21. SMT. SUGANDA KAMBLE W/O. PARAKASH KAMBLE, AGE: 52, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.38. 22. SRI DASHRATH BANDIWADDAR S/O. BABURAO BANDIWADDAR, AGE: 38, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.19. - 5 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 23. SRI NARENDRA CHAUHAN S/O. BOJRAJ CHAUHAN, AGE: 52, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.20. 24. SMT. PADMAJA JANNU W/O. PRAVIN JANNU, AGE: 46, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.21. 25. SMT. MAHADEVI BHADRASHETTY W/O. MURGESH BHADRASHETTY, AGE: 46, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.22. 26. SRI VISHNU LAADU WAJWE S/O. LAADU WAJWE, AGE: 46, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.23. 27. SMT. SHOBHA JADHAV W/O. TANAJI JADHAV, AGE: 55, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.24. 28. SMT. SAFURABBI YERAGATTI W/O. AMIN YERAGATTI, AGE: 57, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.25. 29. SRI ANIL NAIKAR S/O. LAKSHMAN NAIKAR, AGE: 38, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.27. - 6 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 30. SRI ROSHANJEE S/O. SHIVADASAN, AGE: 46, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.28. 31. SMT. YASMIN KITTUR S/O. RIAZ KITTUR, AGE: 62, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.08 ALL ARE COUNCILERS OF CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, DANDELI JAWAHARLAL NEHRU ROAD, DANDELI, POST AND TQ: DANDELI, DIST: UTTARKANNADA-581325. ...PETITIONERS (BY SMT. VIDYAVATI M. KOTTURSHETTAR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REPT. BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, UTTARKANNADA-581301, DIST: UTTARA KANNADA. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, KARWAR, DIST: UTTARA KANNADA-581301. 4. CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, DANDELI, JAWAHARLAL NEHRU ROAD, DANDELI, DIST: UTTARAKANNADA-581325. REP. BY ITS COMMISSIONER. - 7 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY UNDER SECRETARY, NO.16. 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BALLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURU-560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. CHETAN MUNNOLI, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4-CMC, DANDELI BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4-CMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.3 ADMINISTRATOR AS PER REPRESENTATION DATED 18.10.2025 AS PER ANNEXURE-D; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELORS OF CMC DANDELI IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING RESPONDENT NO.1 TO HOLD AN ELECTION RESPONDENT NO.4 BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE PRESENT TENURE OR FORTHWITH. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107115 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. SHILPA W/O. VINAYAK PALKAR, AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. PALKAR LINE, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 2. SRI. SANTOSH LAXMAN LAMANI AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: HULIKATTI TANDA KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, - 8 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 3. SRI. PRAKASH S/O HANAMANTAPPA HULAKOPPA AGE: 28 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: BHASTI STREET, TUMARIKOPPA KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 4. SMT. MALA W/O ASHOK LAMANI AGE: 33 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: MACHAPUR, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 5. SRI. VRISHABENDRA S/O PAYAPPA PATTANSHETTI AGE: 67 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NEAR DARGA MARKET ROAD, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 6. SRI. SUNIL S/O DEEKANI GABBUR AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: MACHIGUR ONI, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 7. SRI. BASAVARAJ S/O DHARMAJI KADLASKAR AGE: 33 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: LAXMI GUDI ONI, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 8. SMT. SHAKUNTALA W/O SUDESH BOLAR - 9 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: CHITRAGAR STREET, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 9. SMT. ANASUYA W/O BASAYYA HEBBALIMATH AGE: 31 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: AYYANAR STREET, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 10. SRI. GANGADHAR S/O TIPPANNA GOULI, AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GOULI STREET, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 11. SRI. KALMESH S BENNI AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: DYAMAVVAN LANE, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 12. SMT. SHABEENA W/O TOUFIQ NESARAGI AGE: 29 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GANDHI NAGAR, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 13. SRI. NARAYAN S/O SOMARAYAPPA VAGMODE AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: BASAVESHAWAR NAGAR, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, - 10 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 14. SRI. KRISHNAJI S/O MADEVAPPA TAHASILDAR AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: BENDIGERI ONI, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 15. SMT. YALLAVVA W/O GANGAPPA SHIGLI AGE: 70 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. 16. SMT. SHANTAVVA W/O KRISHNAPPA RATHOD AGE: 49 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: HULIGINKATTI TANDA, KALGHATGI, TAL: KALGHATGI, DIST: DHARWAD-581204. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. ABHISHEK N. BARIGIDAD, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DC COMPOUND, HINDI PRACHAR SABHA CIRCLE MALMADDI, DHARWAD, DIST: DHARWAD-580001. 3. THE TAHSLIDAR, KALGHATGI, TQ: KALGHATGI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587301. - 11 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 – R3; SRI. HAREESH NAIK, ADVOCATE FOR R4) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO.NAE39MLR2025(E) DATED 24.06.2025 COPY AS PER ANNEXURE-F AS BEING ARBITRARY, ILLEGAL AND CONTRARY TO SECTION 18, 42 AND 315 OF THE KARNATAKA MUNICIPALITIES ACT, 1964 ACT READ WITH ARTICLE 243U OF THE CONSTITUTION, AND/OR ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 TO 3 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER’S TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS I.E. (X TERM) EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 06.05.2023 TO 30.08.2024 I.E. THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF KALGHATGI TOWN PANCHAYAT, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107404 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. BASAVARAJ GUNDAKALE S/O. ANNASAHEB GUNDAKALE, AGE: 49 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR/PRERSIDENT, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 2. RAJASHRI ANURE W/O. PRAKASH ANURE, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. - 12 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 3. UDAYKUMAR BADANIKAYI S/O. KUMAR BADANIKAYI, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 4. MALUTAYI BENDAWADE W/O. JINNAPPA BENDAWADE, AGE: 57 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 5. ATAULLA MUZAWAR S/O. ABUBKAR MUZAWAR, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 6. SATISH PATIL S/O. RAOSAB PATIL, AGE: 43 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 7. LAXMI NIDAGUNDE W/O. TATYASAB NIDAGUNDE, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 8. BHIMARAO MALAGE S/O. MAHADEV MALAGE, AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. - 13 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 9. RAVI GOSAVI S/O. DASHARATH GOSAVI, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 10. RIHANA SANADI W/O. ILAYI SANADI, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 11. SHAKUNTALA KUMBAR W/O. JINNAPPA KUMBAR, AGE: 72 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 12. VIJAYALAXMI NAVALE W/O. SANTOSH NAVALE, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 13. SUHAS WALKE S/O. SADASHIV WALKE, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 14. SUGANDHA WALKE W/O. MAHADEV WALKE, AGE: 60 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. ...PETITIONERS (BY SMT. VIDYAVATI M. KOTTURSHETTAR, ADVOCATE) - 14 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REPT. BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590 001. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, CHIKKODI SUB-DIVISIION, CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 201. 4. SADALAGA TOWN MUNICIPALITY, SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. REPT/BY ITS COMMISSIONER. 5. ABHIJIT PATIL S/O. DADASAB PATIL, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 6. LAXMIKANTH HALAPPANAVAR S/O. SUBHASH HALAPPANAVAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 7. ANAND PATIL S/O. DEVANGOUDA PATIL, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 8. SHUBHANGI HAWALDAR W/O. DHAREPPA HAWALDAR, - 15 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 9. PRASHANT KARANGALE S/O. MAHADEV KARANGALE, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 10. BASAVARAJ HANABAR S/O. SHANKAR HANABAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 11. HEMANT SHINGE S/O. MAYAPPA SHINGE, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 12. MANJU PATIL W/O. ABHINANDAN PATIL, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. 13. LAXMIBAI SAMAGAR W/O. BHIMA SAMAGAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SADALAGA, TQ: CHIKKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 239. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. SHARAD MAGADUM, ADVOCATE FOR R4; NOTICE TO R5 IS SERVED) - 16 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BEARING NO.NaAEe 39 MLR 2025 (Ee) DATED 24.06.2025 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 VIDE ANNEXURE-E, IN SO FAR AS TMC SADALAGA RESPONDENT NO.4; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 TMC BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 - TMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.3 ADMINISTRATOR; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE 5 YEAR TERM OF COUNCILORS EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 03.05.2023 TO 10.03.2025 AND FURTHER DIRECT THAT THE TERM OF SADALAGA TMC SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS AS PER THEIR REPRESENTATION DATED 23.08.2025 VIDE ANNEXURE-F AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107406 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SRI. B. PRASAD S/O. B. KRISHANAPPA, AGE: 62 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR/PRESIDENT, R/O. VINAYAK NAGAR, 2ND CROSS, KAMPLI-583132, TQ: KAMPLI, DIST: BALLARI. 2. SMT. SUSHILA W/O. ANAND VICE PRESIDENT, AGE: 63, OCC: COUNCILOR, 3. SRI. M. USMAN S/O. BASHASAB, AGE: 44, OCC: COUNCILOR, 4. SRI. M. HONNURVALI, S/O. MEHEBOOBSAB, - 17 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 48, OCC: COUNCILOR, 5. SRI. CHANDBASH, S/O. DASTAGIRISAB, AGE: 42, OCC: COUNCILOR, 6. SMT. G. SUMA, W/O. G. RAGHAVENDRA, AGE: 32, OCC: COUNCILOR, 7. SMT. GUDADAMMA W/O. SRINIVAS, AGE: 31, OCC: COUNCILOR, 8. SRI. C.R. DODDAHANUMANTTAPPA, S/O. RAMAPPA C.R., AGE: 44, OCC: COUNCILOR, 9. SMT. NAGAMMA W/O. SATTYAPPA, AGE: 53, OCC: COUNCILOR, 10. SRI. MOULA S/O. JAMBANNA, AGE: 32, OCC: COUNCILOR, 11. SMT. GANGAMMA W/O. VERUPANNA, AGE: 57, OCC: COUNCILOR, 12. SMT. PRAVATI W/O. MARIYAPPA, AGE: 49, OCC: COUNCILOR, 13. SRI. VEERANJANEYALU, S/O. PEDDA ERANNA, AGE: 38, OCC: COUNCILOR, 14. SMT. NIRMALA W/O. V. RAMANNA, AGE: 48, OCC: COUNCILOR, - 18 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 15. SRI. V.L. BABU S/O. V. RAMANNA, AGE: 48, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. KAMPLI FORT-583132, TQ: KAMPLI, DIST: BALLARI-591 239. 16. SRI. S.M. NAGARAJ, S/O. RUDRAYYASWAMY, AGE: 46, OCC: COUNCILOR, 17. SRI. N. RAMANJIYEYALU, S/O. NETTAKALLAPPA, AGE: 51, OCC: COUNCILOR, 18. SRI. T.V. SUDARSHAN REDDY, S/O. KONDAREDDY, AGE: 40, OCC: COUNCILOR, 19. SRI. RAMESH HOOGAR, S/O. NARASAPPABASHASAB, AGE: 43, OCC: COUNCILOR, 20. SMT. HEMAVATHI, W/O. H.B. CHANDRU, AGE: 54, OCC: COUNCILOR, 21. SMT. SHANTALA, W/O. VDYADAR, AGE: 48, OCC: COUNCILOR, 22. SMT. TIMMAKKA, W/O. MALLIKARJUNA, AGE: 54, OCC: COUNCILOR, 23. SRI. R. ANJINEYA, S/O. R. ANJINEYA, AGE: 40, OCC: COUNCILOR, - 19 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS ALL ARE COUNCILORS TMC KAMPLI - 583132, AT POST/TQ: KAMPLI- 583132, DIST: BALLARI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SMT. VIDYAVATI M. KOTTURSHETTAR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, KAMPLI-583132, DIST: BALLARI. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, KAMPLI SUB-DIVISION, KAMPLI-583132. 4. KAMPLI TOWN MUNICIPALITY, TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, RET/BY IT’S COMMISSIONER, KAMPLI, TQ: KAMPLI, DIST: BALLARI. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 – R3; SRI. B. SHARANABASAWA, ADVOCATE FOR R4) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BEARING NO. SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025- ULB, DATED 27.01.2025 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 VIDE ANNEXURE-E; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 TMC BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 - TMC WAS BEING - 20 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.3 ADMINISTRATOR; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE 5 YEAR TERM OF COUNCILORS EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 06.05.2023 TO 22.01.2025 AND FURTHER DIRECT THAT THE TERM OF KAMPLI TMC SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS AS PER THEIR REPRESENTATION DATED 02.09.2025 VIDE ANNEXURE-F AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107518 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. HEERABAI W/O. NAGARAJ SING, AGE: 33 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT, TQ: GANGAVATI, DIST: KOPPAL. 2. SRI. RAMESH CHOUDAKI S/O. HULAGAPPA CHOUDAKI, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 3. SRI. MUSTAK ALI S/O. S. FAKRUDDIN SAB, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 4. SRI. SHAMEED MANIYAR S/O. MOHAMMAD MEHEBOOBSAB, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 5. SRI. NAVEEN SANTOSHKUMAR MALIPATIL, S/O. MARIGOUDA MALIPATIL, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 6. SMT. S. ARCHANA SHIRIGERI W/O. RAGHAVENDRA SHETTY, AGE: 44 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 7. SRI. VASUDEV NAVALI S/O. GURURAJ RAO, - 21 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 8. SRI. ABDUL JABBAR S/O. ABDUL SATTAR SAB, AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 9. SRI. M. MOULASAB S/O. M. DADESAB, AGE: 70 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 10. SRI. UMESH SINGNAL S/O. SHANMUKAPPA SINGNAL, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 11. SRI. PARASHURAM S/O. VENKAPPA, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 12. SMT. SUDHA W/O. SOMANATHA, AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR/VICE-PRESIDENT, 13. SRI. NILAKANT KATTIMANI S/O. ERAPPA KATTIMANI, AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 14. SRI. MOHAMMAD USMAN S/O. MOHAMAD JAFARSAB, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 15. SMT. PARVATAMMA CHOUHAN W/O. BALAJI CHOUHAN, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 16. SMT. ANITA NAYAK S/O. SHIVASHANKAR NAYAK, AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, - 22 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 17. SRI. SOMANATH BANDARI S/O. SOMAVVA BANDRI, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 18. SRI. AJAY BICHALI S/O. MALLIKARJUN BICHALI, AGE: 32 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 19. SMT. APSANA BEGUM W/O. FAROOQ UMAR, AGE: 33 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 20. SMT. BHIMAMMA HADIMANI W/O. RANGAPPA HADIMANI, AGE: 70 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 21. SRI. C. VENKATRAMANA S/O. VENKATESH, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 22. SMT. ERAMMA W/O. SIDDARAMAPPA M., AGE: 68 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 23. SMT. JAREENA BHEGUM, W/O. M. MURTUJA HUSEEN, AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 24. SMT. PARVATAMMA DODAMANI W/O. DURUGESH DODAMANI, AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 25. SMT. JAREENA BHEGUM W/O. ISMAILSAB, AGE: 60 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, ALL ARE CITY MUNCIPAL COUNCILORS, GANGAVATI-583227, BUS STAND ROAD, - 23 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AT POST/TQ: GANGAVATI, DIST: KOPPAL ...PETITIONERS (BY SMT. VIDYAVATI M. KOTTURSHETTAR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARANATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001. REPT./BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, KOPPAL-583227, DIST: KOPPAL. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, KOPPAL SUB-DIVISIION, KOPPAL-583227, DIST: KOPPAL. 4. GANGAVATI CITY MUNICIPALITY, CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, REPT./BY IT’S COMMISSIONER, GANGAVATI-583227, BUS STAND ROAD, TQ: GANGAVATI, DIST: KOPPAL. 5. SRI. MANOHARSWAMY HIREMATH, S/O. AYYASWAMY HIREMATH, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 6. SRI. SHARBOJI RAO GAYAKWAD, S/O. NAGOGE RAO GAYAKWAD, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 7. SRI. F. RAGHAVENDRA, S/O. SHANMUKAPPA, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 8. SMT. SUNITA SHAVI, W/O. TIPPANNA SHAVI, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, - 24 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 9. SRI. KASHIMSAB GADWAL, S/O. MEHABOOBSAB GADWA, AGE: 67 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 10. SMT. MALASHREE, W/O. SANDEEP C., AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 11. SMT. SUCHITA SHIRAGERI, W/O. KASHI VISHWANATH SHIRAGERI, AGE: 62 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 12. SMT. JAYSHREE SIDDAPUR, W/O. VISHWANATH SIDDAPUR, AGE: 65 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, 13. SMT. ABHIDA MUDDABALLI, W/O. MOULA HUSEN, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, ALL ARE CITY MUNCIPAL COUNCILORS, GANGAVATI-583227, BUS STAND ROAD, AT POST/TQ: GANGAVATI, DIST: KOPPAL. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 – R3; NOTICE TO R4-R13 ARE SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BEARING NO. NaAEe 39 MLR 2025 (EE) DATED 26.03.2025 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 VIDE ANNEXURE-E, IN SO FAR AS PETITIONERS CONCERNED; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 - CMC BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4-CMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY - 25 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS RESPONDENT NO.3 ADMINISTRATOR; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE 5 YEAR TERM OF COUNCILORS EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 06.05.2023 TO 22.01.2025 AND FURTHER DIRECT THAT THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 CMC SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVIANCE OF THE PETITIONERS AS PER THEIR REPRESENTATION DATED 02.09.2025 VIDE ANNEXURE-F; OR ALTERNATIVELY TO CONDUCT THE ELECTION OF COUNCILORS OF CMC FORTHWITH AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107533 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. KHURSHIDHA W/O. MAHAMMADRAFHIKH KALLANAVAR, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O. MULGUND WARD NO.1, TQ: GADAG , DIST: GADAG-582101. 2. SRI. MALLAPPA S/O YALLAPPA CHAVHAN AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.2 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 3. SRI. VIJAYKUMAR S/O SHIVAPPA NEELGUND AGE: 48 YEARS. OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.3 TQ: GADAG, DIST: GADAG-582101. 4. SMT. ANUSUYA W/O FAKKIRAPPA SOMAGIRI AGE: 55 YEARS. OCC: VICE PRESIDENT T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.4 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. - 26 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 5. SRI. KALLANAGOUDA S/O. LINGANAGOUDA KAREGOUDRA AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.5 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 6. SRI. SHANMUKHAPPA S/O CHANDRASHEKHARAPPA BADNI AGE: 60 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.6 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 7. SMT. PARAVVA W/O YALLAPPA ALLANNAVAR AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.7 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 8. SRI. DYAMANNA S/O SHANKRAPPA NEELGUND AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.8 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 9. SMT. UMA W/O. NINGAPPA MATTI AGE: 58 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.9 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 10. SRI. NAGARAJ S/O RANGAPPAYYA DESHPANDE AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.10 - 27 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 11. SRI. BASAVANTTAPPA S/O SHIVANAPPA HAROGERI AGE: 44 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.11 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 12. SRI. IMAMSAB (IMMANNA) S/O MODINSAB SHIAK AGE: 60 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.12 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 13. SRI. MAHADEVAPPA S/O FAKKIRAPPA GADAD AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.13 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 14. SMT. LAXMAVVA W/O MALLAPPA KUNDGOL AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.14 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 15. SRI. MAHANTAPPA S/O SOMAPPA NEELGUND AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.15 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 16. SMT. CHAMPAVATHI W/O DEVENDRAPPA GULED - 28 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.16 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 17. SMT. NEELAVVA W/O AJJAPPA ASUNDI AGE: 64 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.17 TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 18. SRI. HONNAPPA S/O DODDHANUMAPPA HALLI @WADDAR AGE: 45 YEARS. OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.18 SITALAHARI TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. 19. SMT. YALLAVVA W/O BASAVANNEPPA KAVALUR AGE: 70 YEARS. OCC: PRESIDENT T.P.C. MULGUND, R/O: MULGUND WARD NO.19 BASAPUR, TQ: GADAG DIST: GADAG-582101. ...PETITIONERS (By SRI. G.N. NARASAMMANAVAR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA THROGH ITS SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V.TOWER, DR. B.R.AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU- 560001. - 29 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, GADAG, D.C. OFFICE, GADAG-582101. 4. THE CHIEF OFFICER, TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, MULGUND, TQ: GADAG, DIST: GADAG-582117. 5. THE UNDER SECRETARY, KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO. 16, 2ND & 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURE-560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH S. NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5; NOTICE TO R4 IS SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 27.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE 5TH RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO.SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025-ULB AS AT ANNEXURE-F INSOFAR RELATES TO MULGUND T.P.C. AT SL.NO.136 AND CONSEQUENTIAL ORDER DATED 26.03.2025 BEARING NO. UDA 39 MLR 2025 (E) AS AT ANNEXURE- G1 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT AUTHORITY DETERMINING THE DATE OF COMPLETION OF TENURE OF COUNCILOR AND CONSEQUENTIALLY THE COMMITTEE INSOFAR AS RELATES TO AT SL.NO.5, AS CONTRARY TO SEC.18 AND SEC.315 OF KARNATAKA MUNICIPALITIES ACT, 1964; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE TENURE OF THE ORDER DATED 12-05-2023 AT ANNEXURE-C NO. NAE48 MLR 2023 APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO MULGUND TOWN PANCHAYAT COUNCIL FROM 29-04-2023 TO 09-09-2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS OF T.P.C.MULGUND; ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 5 TO CALCULATE THE FIVE YEARS TERM; OF THE COUNCIL EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 29-04-2023 TO 09-09- 2024 AND FURTHER BE DIRECTED THAT TERM OF MULGUND TOWN PANCHAYAT COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY. - 30 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107568 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SRI. SUBASH S/O. SIDAPPA MYAGERI, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD, DIST: GADAG-582114. 2. SMT. SAVITA W/O SHRIDHAR BIDARALLI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 3. SRI. MUDIYAPPA S/O DURGAPPA MUDHOL AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 4. SRI. RAJESAB S/O AMEENSAB SANGLIKAR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 5. SRI. YAMNURAPPA S/O BHEEMAPPA THIRKOJI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 6. SRI. SHIVARAJ S/O SAMARSIMHA GORPHADE AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 7. SMT. SUJATABAI W/O RAVINDRASHA SHINGRI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. - 31 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 8. SMT. VIJAYA W/O SHARANAPPA MALGI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 9. SRI. UDACHAPPA S/O RUDRAPPA CHENAMANNAVAR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 10. SMT. LEELAVATHI W/O ASHOK VANNAL AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 11. SMT. DRAKSHAYNI W/O SIDAPPA CHOLIN AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 12. SMT. KOUSARBANU W/O GULAMAHMMED HUNGUND AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 13. SRI. RUPLESH S/O HEMALEPP RATHOD AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 14. SMT. DEEPA W/O MALAGOUD GOUDAR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. - 32 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 15. SRI. KANAKAPPA S/O HANMANTAPPA ARALIGIDAD AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 16. SRI. MURTUJA W/O MUKSHISAB DALAYATH AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 17. SMT. UMA W/O MANJUNATH MYAKAL AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 18. SMT. LEELAVATI W/O SHANKAR SAVANUR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 19. SRI. MUKAPPA S/O DYAMAPPA NIDAGUNDI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 20. SRI. SHARANAPPA S/O UDCHYAPPA UPINBETGERI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 21. SRI. VENKATESH S/O KARIYAPPA MUDGAL AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. - 33 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 22. SMT. LAXMI W/O DURGAPPA MUDHOL AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. 23. SRI. VEERAPPA S/O SHIVAPPA PATTANSHETTI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: GAJENDRAGAD, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD DIST: GADAG-582114. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHEKHARGOUDA NAGANURI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MINI VIDHAN SOUDHA, HUBLI ROAD DIST: GADAG-582103. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, GADAG, DIST: GADAG-582101. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO 16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, GAJENDRAGAD, REP BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, TAL: GAJENDRAGAD, DIST: GADAG- 582103. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; - 34 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4: SRI. SANTOSH B. MALAGOUDAR, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO.NAE39MLR2025(E) DATED 26.03.2025 INSOFAR AS PETITIONERS WARD CONCERNED COPY AS PER ANNEXURE-G AS BEING ARBITRARY AND ILLEGAL AND/OR DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TOWN PANCHAYAT BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHERE THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TP BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.3; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1,2 AND 4 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER’S TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS i.e., (X TERM) EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 06.05.2023 TO 02.09.2024 i.e., THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF GAJENDRAGAD TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, AND/OR PASS ANY SUCH OTHER ORDER AS THIS HON’BLE COURT DEEMS FIT. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107569 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SRI. RACHAYYA S/O. BASAYYA MALGITHIMATH, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL, DIST: GADAG-582119. 2. SRI. MUTTAPPA S/O HANMAPPA NOOLKI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 3. SRI. MALLIKARJUNGOUDA S/O BASANGOUDA BHUMANGOUDAR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL, DIST: GADAG-582119. - 35 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 4. SRI. SRISHAILAPPA S/O KALAKAPPA BANDIHAL AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 5. SRI. DAWOODALI S/O HUSENSAAB KUDARI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 6. SMT. VIJAYLAXMI W/O NINGAPPA CHALWADI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 7. SMT. BASEERABANU W/O ALLAHBAKSHI NADAF AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 8. SMT. VISHALAKSHI W/O MOUNESH HOSAMANI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 9. SMT. JYOTI W/O PRAKASH PAYAPAGOUDAR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 10. SMT. SUMITRA W/O VEERANNA KAMALAPUR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 11. SMT. MANJULA W/O MUTTAPPA HURALI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR - 36 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 12. SRI. MALIKSAAB W/O ABDULSAAB RONNAD AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 13. SRI. IRAPPA S/O YALLAPPA JOGI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 14. SRI. FAKIRAPPA S/O GOVINDAPPA BAMBLAPUR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 15. SRI. FAKIRAPPA S/O BASAPPA MALLI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 16. SMT. AKKAMA W/O YALLAPPA MANODDAR AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. 17. SRI. KUMARSWAMY S/O SHIVABASAYYA KORDANYAMATH AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/AT: NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582119. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHEKHARGOUDA NAGANURI, ADVOCATE) - 37 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MINI VIDHAN SOUDHA, HUBLI ROAD DIST: GADAG-582103. 3. THE TAHSILDAR, TAHSILDAR OFFICE GAJENDRAGAD, DIST: GADAG-582114. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO 16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. 5. THE TOWN PANCHAYAT, NAREGAL REP BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, NAREGAL, TAL: NAREGAL DIST: GADAG-582103. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. H.N. GULARADDI, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO. NAE39MLR2025(E) DATED 26.03.2025 INSOFAR AS PETITIONERS WARD CONCERNED COPY AS PER ANNEXURE-G AS BEING ARBITRARY AND ILLEGAL AND /OR DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TOWN PANCHAYAT BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHERE THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TP BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.3; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 TO 3 AND - 38 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 5 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER’S TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS i.e., (X TERM) EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 12.05.2023 TO 01.09.2024 i.e., THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF NAREGAL TOWN PANCHAYAT, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, AND/OR PASS ANY SUCH OTHER ORDER AS THIS HON’BLE COURT DEEMS FIT. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107694 OF 2025 BETWEEN SMT. B. RENUKAMMA W/O. VENKATESH, AGED 51 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT OF SIRGUPPA MUNCIPALTY, R/O. #266, SIRGUPPA POST, TQ: SIRAGUPPA, DIST: BELLARY-583121. ...PETITIONER (BY SMT. SUNITHA P. KALASOOR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BELLARY-583101. 3. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGLAURU-560080. 4. THE SIRGUPPA CITY MUNICIPAL COUNSEL SIRUGUPPA TOWN, BALLARI DISTRICT-583121, REP. BY ITS COMMISSIONER. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND - 39 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 & R2; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R3; SRI. B. SHARANABASAWA, ADVOCATE FOR R4) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BEARING FILE NO. SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025-ULB DATED 27.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE UNDER SECRETARY STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO THE RESPONDENT NO.1 VIDE ANNEXURE-F; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 - CMC BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 CMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.2 ADMINISTRATOR; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELLORS OF SIRGUPPA CMC IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; PASS ANY OTHER ORDER, WHICH THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY DEEM FIT, INCLUDING THE COST OF THE WRIT PETITION IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107715 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. ASHA W/O. VIJAY TAVALE, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. NIPPANI, TAL: NIPPANI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591237. 2. SRI. SUREKH @ BALASAHEB S/O. VISHWASRAO DESAI SARKAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: VICE-COUNCILLOR, R/AT. NIPPANI, TAL: NIPPANI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591237. 3. SRI. SANTOSH S/O. PRABHAKAR MANE, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. NIPPANI, TAL: NIPPANI, - 40 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: BELAGAVI-591237. 4. SRI. RANI W/O. SUNIL SHELAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. NIPPANI, TAL: NIPPANI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591237. 5. SMT. SARFRAJ W/O. DADASAHEB BADEGHAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. NIPPANI, TAL: NIPPANI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591237. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHEKHARGOUDA NAGANURI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE-560001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION V.V.TOWER, DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BANGALORE-560001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, D.C. COMPOUND, BELAGAVI-590001. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARANAME ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. 5. THE CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, REP/BY ITS COMMISSIONER NIPPANI, TAL: NIPPANI, - 41 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: BELAGAVI-591237. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. R.K. KULKARNI, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO.NAE39MLR2025(E) DATED 24.06.2025 INSOFAR AS COPY AS PER ANENXURE-F AS BEING ARBITRARY AND ILLEGAL AND/OR DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF THE RESPONDENT NO.5 MUNICIPALITY BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHERE THE RESPONDENT NO.5 MUNICIPALITY BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.3; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 TO 3 AND 5 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER’S TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS i.e., (X TERM) EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 01.05.2023 TO 17.09.2024 i.e., THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF NIPPANI CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, AND /OR, PASS ANY SUCH OTHER ORDER AS THIS HON’BLE COURT DEEMS FIT. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107736 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. KHURASAD ANWAR NADAF W/O: ANWAR, AGE: 44 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.27, PRESIDENT, R/O: #7151, MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312 2. BHIMAVVA PUJERI AGE: 77 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.27, PRESIDENT, R/O: MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312 - 42 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 3. JAYANAND W/O: DUNDAPPA PATIL, AGE: 49 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.01, R/O: MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM, KARNATAKA-591 312. 4. SHIVAPPA CHANDAKI S/O: BASAGOUD, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.02, R/O: MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312. 5. SHIVANAND SANNAKKI S/O: JAYAWANT, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.04, R/O: 1715, BASAVESHWAR NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312. 6. PARWATEVVA SIDAPPA ATHANI W/O: SIDAPPA, AGE: 70 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.03, R/O: VIJAY NAGAR, MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312 7. SATTEVVA ARAMANI W/O: SHIVABASU, AGE: 65 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.07, R/O: MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 8. HANAMANT RAMAPPA GUDLAMANI S/O: RAMAPPA GUDLAMANI, - 43 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 38 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.08, R/O: #593 GANDHI CHOUK, MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 9. IRAPPA MUNYAL S/O: SHIVABASU MUNYAL, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO., PRESIDENT, R/O: REVANASIDDESWAR, MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 10. ADAM TAMBOLI S/O: KUTUBUDDIN, AGE: 62 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO. 10, R/O: #3441, LAXMI NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312 11. RAVINDRA SANNAKI S/O: DAVIDAPPA, AGE: 59 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.11, R/O: #768, RAJIV GANDHI NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312 12. SUBHASH SANNAKI S/O: YAMANAPPA, AGE: 56 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.12, PRESIDENT, R/O: #1142/B, RAJIV GANDHI NAGAR, MUDALGI (RURAL), T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. - 44 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 13. MALLAVVA ZANDEKURUBAR W/O: BASU ZANDEKURUBAR, AGE: 34 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.13, R/O: H. NO.924, JATHAGAR ONI, MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312 14. MAREMBI HUGAR W/O: AMEENASAB, AGE: 53 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.14, R/O: 31151/A, MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 15. HUSENSAB SHEKH S/O: HAJISAB SHEKH, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO. 16, PRESIDENT, R/O: #1934 VIDYA NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 16. SHANTAVVA ZANDEKURUBAR W/O: KASHAPPA, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.17, R/O: #1351 MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 17. SANTOSH KRISHNAPPA SONWALKAR W/O: KRISHNAPPA, AGE: 46 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.15, R/O: GOKAK KRAS, GANESH NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312. - 45 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 18. ABDULGAFAR DANGE S/O: IMAMHUSEN DANGE, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.18, R/O: #2855 LAXMI NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 19. IRAPPA KONNUR S/O: SHIVARUDRAPPA KONNUR, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.19, R/O: #53051 GANESH NAGAR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 20. ANAND TAPAL S/O: LAXMAN, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER OF WARD NO.22, PRESIDENT, R/O: #45 GURLAPUR MUDALGI (RURAL) T/Q: MUDALGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 21. YALLAVVA HALLUR W/O: PARAPPA GADDEKAR, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.23, R/O: GURLAPUR T/Q: GURLAPUR, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591 312. 22. RENUKA HADIMANI W/O: SHIVALING HADIMANI, AGE: 35 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.06, R/O: NAGALING NAGAR MUDALAGI (RURAL) - 46 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS T/Q: MUDALAGI, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312. 23. GANGAVVA SHIVALINGAPPA MUGALAKHOD W/O: SHIVALINGAPPA, AGE: 62 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.21, R/O: TOTADA MANE GURLAPUR T/Q: GURLAPUR, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591 312. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. AVINASH M. ANGADI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTEMNT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 4TH FLOOR, VIKAS SUVARNA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V.TOWER, DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560 001. 3. THE KARNATAKA ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY THE CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER, THE OFFICE OF ELECTION OFFICER, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY RD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, ARMANE NAGAR, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA-560080. 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, D.C. OFFICE, KHADE BAZAR, RAVIWAR PETH, BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA-590001. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1, R2 & R4) - 47 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 24.06.2025 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO.NAE39MLR2025(E) AS AT ANNEXURE-E DETERMINING THE DATE OF COMPLETION OF TENURE OF COUNCILORS IN SO FAR AS PETITIONERS HEREIN; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE CURRENCY OF THE ORDER DATED 25.05.2023 APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO MUDALAGI TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL FROM 25.05.2023 TO 05.08.2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS; ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 TO 03 TO CALCULATE THE FIVE YEARS TERM OF THE COUNCIL EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 25.05.2023 TO 05.08.2024 AND FURTHER BE DIRECTED THAT TERM OF GOKAK CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS VIDE REPRESENTATION DATED 30.08.2025 AS AT ANNEXURE- F TO F1 IN SO FAR AS PETITIONERS HEREIN IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY; ISSUE ANY WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION AS THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY DEEM FIT IN THE FACT AND CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE CASE AND IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107741 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. RAMCHANDRAPPA Y. BORJI, S/O. YALAGURDAPPA BORJI, AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. 1963, NEKAR ONI, BILGI, 587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT. 2. KALAVH V GADDADAVAR W/O VITTAL AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O 1189, WARD NO 2, NANDI NAGAR, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT. 3. MUTTAVVA R GANIGER W/O RAMESH GANIGER AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS - 48 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS OCC. AGRICULTURE R/O 1998/1, WARD NO 4, JADAR GALLI, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 4. YASMINE BAGAWAN W/O MAHADAHUSEN AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O 2694, WARD NO 5, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 5. SANTOSH NIMBAHKAR S/O VITTAL NIMBAHKAR AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O WARD NO 5, NANDI NAGAR, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 6. PARASHURAM A MAMADAPUR S/O AYYAPPA MAMADAPUR AGED ABOUT 56 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O 2632, WARD NO 5, VTC, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 7. HUCHHAPPA K KOULAGI S/O KALLAPPA KOULAGI AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O 1712, WARD NO 3, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 8. KAMAPPA H DANDARAGI S/O HANAMANT DANDARAGI AGED ABOUT48 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O WARD NO 2, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT - 49 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 9. MINAKSHI M KOTTALAMATH W/O MAHARUDRAYYA AGED ABOUT 62 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O 1210/26, WARD NO.2, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 10. SIDDLINGESH G NAGARAL S/O GURUBASAPPA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS OCC AGRICULTURE R/O VTC, WARD NO 2, NANDI NAGAR, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT 11. SIDDAPPA Y MADAR URS GUDADINNI S/O YAMANAPPA MADAR URS GUDADINNI AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS, OCC AGRICULTURE R/O 1189, WARD NO 2, BILGI-587116 BAGALKOT DISTRICT ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SANTOSH B. MANE, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 4TH FLOOR, VIKAS SUVARNA SOUDHA BENGALURU-560 001 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V.TOWER, DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560 001. 3. THE UNDER SECRETARY KARNATAKA ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND & 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, - 50 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS SADASHIV NAGAR, BENGALURE-560080 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BILGI-587116, BAGALKOT DISTRICT 5. THE TAHASHILDAR OFFICE OF THE TAHSILDAR AND TALUKA EXECUTIVE, BILGI-587116, BAGALKOT DISTRICT. 6. THE PATTAN PANCHAYAT OFFICE OF PATTAN PANCHYAT, BILGI-587116, BAGALKOT DISTRICT, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1, R2, R4 & R5; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R3; NOTICE TO R6 ARE SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING AT ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 27.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO.SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025-ULB AS ANNEXURE-E IN SO FAR IT RELATES TO BILAGI PATTAN PANCHAYAT AT SL.NO.126; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE TENURE APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO BILAGI PATTAN PANCHAYAT FOR 21 MONTHS SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NOT TO APPOINT ANY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TILL THE COMPLETION OF THE TENURE OF 5 YEARS OF THE ELECTED MEMBERS; ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 5 TO CALCULATE THE FIVE YEARS TERM OF THE COUNCIL EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHICH WAS ADMINISTERED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND FURTHER BE DIRECTED THAT TERM OF PRESIDENT BILGI PATTAN PANCHYAT WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY. - 51 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107748 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. VINOD GOVIND KARANING, S/O.GOVIND KARANING, AGE: 56 YEARS, OCC: WARD NO.1, R/O. #1238 KARANING GALLI, KONNUR, TQ: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM, KARNATAKA-591231. 2. YALLAVVA NAIK W/O: LAGAMANNA NAIK AGE: 64 YEARS, OCCUPATION: WARD NO.02, R/O: #2/157 MARADIMATH, GOKAK T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591231 3. RAJIYABEGUM HORAKERI AGE: 59 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.03, R/O: KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591231. 4. BHUTAPPA HUKKERI S/O: BALAPPA, AGE: 52 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.04 R/O: #52 NAIKWADI, BEHIND PRIMARY SCHOOL, GOKAK (RURAL), MARADIMATH, T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM, KARNATAKA- 591231 5. RUKSHADAHMAD KADALAGI S/O: HASANASAB, AGE: 55 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.05 R/O: #584/2, BAJAR GALLI, GOKAK T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM - 52 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS KARNATAKA-591231 6. YALLAPPA KALLOLI GADIWADDAR S/O: KALLOLI, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.06 R/O: #897/1 VADDAR ONI, KONNUR (RURAL) T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591231 7. IMRAN JAMADAR S/O: GAFAR, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.07 R/O: #2459, BASAV NAGAR KONNUR, KONNUR (RURAL) T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591231 8. SHANTAVVA GUDDAKAYU AGE: 72 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.08, R/O; KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 9. SHASHIRABANU JAMADAR OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.06 R/O: KONNUR VILLAGE, AGE: 30 YEARS T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM, KARNATAKA- 591308 10. KUMAR KONNUR AGE: 49 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.10, R/O: KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM, KARNATAKA- 591308 11. MANGALA TELI W/O: ANAND, AGE: 57 YEARS, - 53 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.12 R/O: H.NO. 326 PETH GALLI KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELAGAUM KARNATAKA-591231 12. MARUTI PUJERI AGE: 51 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.11, KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 13. PRAKASH KARNING S/O: SHANKAR, AGE: 58 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.13, R/O: H. NO. 1240/C, KARNING GALLI KONNUR (RURAL) T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELAGAUM KARNATAKA- 591231 14. SHIVAKKA MEGERI W/O: DHANYAKUMAR, AGE: 43 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.14, R/O: 1431/2, MAIN ROAD AMBEDKAR NAGAR KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM KARNATAKA-591231 15. GULAPPA ASODE AGE: 67 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO. 16 KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 16. ASHOK KUMARNAIK S/O: LAXMAN - 54 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 50 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.17, R/O: MANIKWADI GOKAK (RURAL) GOKAK FALLS, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELAGAUM KARNATAKA- 591231 17. OLINDA SANTAMARIA W/O: ALBERT, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.18 R/O: H. NO.6/NC, KARNING GALLI KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 18. SAVANT TALAWAR S/O: YALLAPPA, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.19 R/O: H. NO. 105/3, GOKAK T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELAGAUM, KARNATAKA- 591308 19. SHOBHA MALLIKARJUN MOKSHI W/O: MALLIKARJUN, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCCUPATION: MEMBER OF WARD NO.20 R/O: 136/6 GOKAK FALLS GOKAK (RURAL) T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELAGAUM, KARNATAKA-591308 20. RAZIYASULTANA NAZEERHUSEN NADAF W/O: NAZEER HUSEN NADAF AGE: 42 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER OF WARD NO.22 R/O: 26/2 EAST, GYANG GALLI GOKAK FALLS T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 21. BHARATI KOLLANATTI W/O: SANJU AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER OF WARD NO.23 - 55 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS R/O: A/176, GOKAK FALLS GOKAK (RURAL) T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 22. RAMALINGA MUGDUM AGE: 46 YEARS OCC: MEMBER OF WARD NO.15 R/O: KUNNUR VILLAGE T/Q: GOKAK, DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 23. MEGHA VIKAS PAWAR AGE: 38 YEARS OCC: MEMBER OF WARD NO.21 R/O: GOKAK FALLS, KONNUR VILLAGE, T/Q: GOKAK DIST: BELGAUM BELGAUM KARNATAKA- 591308 ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. VINAYKUMAR M. SHETTY, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTEMNT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 4TH FLOOR, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V.TOWER, DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560 001. 3. THE KARNATAKA ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY THE CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER, THE OFFICE OF ELECTION OFFICER, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, - 56 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS BELLARY RD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, ARMANE NAGAR, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA-560080. 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, D.C. OFFICE, KHADE BAZAR, RAVIWAR PETH, BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA-590001. 5. KONNUR TOWN MUNCIPAL COUNCIL, REP. BY THE CHIEF OFFICER, R/O. KONNUR, TQ: GOKAK, DIST: BELAGAVI-591231. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1, R2 & R4; NOTICE TO R3 IS SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 24.06.2025 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO.NAE39MLR2025(E) AS AT ANNEXURE-E DETERMINING THE DATE OF COMPLETION OF TENURE OF COUNCILORS AND CONSEQUENTIALLY THE COMMITTEE INSOFAR AS RELATES TO AT SL. NO.14 AS CONTRARY TO SEC. 18 AND SEC.315 OF KARNATAKA MUNICIPALITIES ACT, 1964 IN SO FAR AS PETITIONERS HEREIN; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE CURRENCY OF THE ORDER DATED 25.05.2023 APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO KONNUR TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL FROM 25.05.2023 TO 05.08.2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS; ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE FIVE YEARS TERM OF THE COUNCIL EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 25.05.2023 TO 05.08.2024 AND FURTHER BE DIRECTED THAT TERM OF KONNUR TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS VIDE REPRESENTATION DATED 01.09.2025 AS AT ANNEXURE-F TO F3, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY; ISSUE ANY WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION AS THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY DEEM FIT IN THE FACT AND CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE CASE AND IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE. - 57 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107751 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. AMINA W/O. IMAM SABH, AGE: 70 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.17, 2. SRI. H. GOPALA KRISHNA S/O. H. BASAPPA, AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.4. 3. SRI. RAJA S/O. SUBHRAMANI, AGE: 39, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.1. 4. SRI. SAYAD AMMANULLA S/O. SAYAD ASADULLA, AGE: 50, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.2. 5. SRI. G. ANWAR SABH S/O. KAJHA HUSSAIN SABH, AGE: 48, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.2. 6. SMT. K.V. SARITHA W/O. K.A. VEERESHKUMAR, AGE: 45, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.5. 7. SRI. V.S. MUKTIYAR PASHA S/O. SAYAD JAKHIR PHIRANA, AGE: 56, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.6. - 58 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 8. SRI. P. RAVIKUMAR S/O. P. VARDHAPPA, AGE: 48, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.7. 9. SMT. PARVATHI R. W/O. ESHWAR, AGE: 58, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.4. 10. SRI. PAALAYA S/O. KALLAPPA, AGE: 65, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.9. 11. SRI. V. KISHOREKUMAR S/O. B. SRINIVASACHARYA, AGE: 50, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.4. 12. SMT. GOUSIYA BEGUM W/O. ABDUL SATTAR, AGE: 45, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.11. 13. SRI. AJEYKUMAR S/O. MARISWAMY, AGE: 48, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.12. 14. SMT. MAMATHA W/O. MANJUNATH. A, AGE: 40, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.13. 15. SRI. ESHWARAMMA W/O. GOPANNA, - 59 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AGE: 45, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.14. 16. SMT. BORAMMA W/O. GANGAPPA, AGE: 45, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.15. 17. SRI. RAMASWAMY MALIGI S/O. BHEEMAPPA, AGE: 68, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.4. 18. SRI. M. LINGAPPA S/O. M. MARIYYA, AGE: 48, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.18. 19. SMT. N. GANGAMMA W/O. RAMAPPA, AGE: 35, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.19. 20. SMT. JYOTHIBHAI W/O. HANUMANAYAK, AGE: 40, OCC: MEMBER, R/O. WARD NO.20. ALL ARE MEMBERS OF TOWN PANCHAYAT, PRESENTLY UPGRADED AS TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNIL POST: KAMPLAPUR AND TQ: HOSPETE, DIST: VIJAYNAGAR-583221. ...PETITIONERS (BY SMT. VIDYAVATI M. KOTTURSHETTAR, ADVOCATE) - 60 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001, R/BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, VIJAYANAGAR-583201, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, HOSPETE-583201, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR. 4. TOWN PANCHAYAT, (UPGRADED AS TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL) KAMALAPUR, TQ: HOSAPETE, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-261302 REP. BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER. 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY UNDER SECRETARY, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BALLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, BENGALURU-560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HANUMANTHAREDDY SAHUKAR, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 - TMC BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 - TMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.3 ADMINISTRATOR AS PER REPRESENTATION DATED 14.10.2025 AS PER ANNEXUER-D; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A - 61 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELORS OF KAMLAPUR TMC IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING RESPONDENT NO.1 TO HOLD AN ELECTION RESPONDENT NO.4 TMC BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE PRESENT TENURE OR FORTHWITH AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107773 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. PRAVEEN S/O. TIPPANNA BALIKAI, AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TMC LAXMESHAR, R/O. WARD NO.16, LAXMESHWAR, DIST: GADAG-582 216. 2. FIRDOSH S/O. MAINUDDIN ADOOR, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TMC LAXMESHAR, R/O. WARD NO.21, LAXMESHWAR, DIST: GADAG-582 216. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. K.L. PATIL, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA, DEPT. OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIDHAN SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY. 2. THE DIRECTORATE OF MUNCIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, AMBEDKAR VIDHI, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS DIRECTOR. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, GADAG, DIST: GADAG-582 101. - 62 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 4. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, LAXMESHWAR, DIST: GADAG-582 216, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER. 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CUNNINGHAM ROAD, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. G.N. NARASAMMANAVAR, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 26.03.2025 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO.UDA 39 MLR 2025 (E) VIDE ANNEXURE-E, IN SO FAR AS PETITIONER CONCERNED; ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED NOTIFICATION DATED 12/05/2023 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO. Na.A.E. 48 MLR 2023 VIDE ANNEXURE-C IN SO FAR AS TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONCERNED; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE CURRENCY OF THE ORDER DATED 12/05/2023 APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO TOWN MUNICIPAL LAXMESHWAR COUNCIL FROM 05/05/2023 TO 19/08/2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTION TO THE RESPONDENTS NOT TO HOLD ELECTIONS TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT COUNCIL UNTIL THE EXPIRY OF THE PETITIONER’S TENURE UP TO 25/02/2027 AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107775 OF 2025 BETWEEN ANDANAYYA V. KALLIMATH, AGE: 65 YEARS , OCC: PRESIDENT OF YALABURGA, PATTANA PANCHAYATH, R/O. YALABURGA-583236, TQ: YALABURGA, DIST: KOPPAL. - 63 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. S.G. KADADAKATTI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, M.S.BUILDING, DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR VIDHI, BENGALURU-560001 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION V.V.TOWER, DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR VIDHI, BENGALURU-560001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, KOPPAL DIST. KOPPAL-583231 4. THE CHIEF OFFICER, TOWN PANCHAYAT, YELBURGA, TQ: YELBURGA, DIST: KOPPAL-583236. 5. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND & 3RD FLOOR, BALLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURU-560080. 6. SMT VIJAYALAKSHMI W/O SIDRAMESH BELERI AGE: MAJOR OCC: VOICE PRESIDENT OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA, R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 7. SMT KALAVATI W/O VEERAPPA MARADADDI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 - 64 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 8. SRI MAHMAD IBRAHM S/O MUSTAFSAB KHAJI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 9. SRI HANAMANTAPPA BHAJANTRI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 10. SRI REVANAPPA HIREKURUBAR AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 11. SMT SHANTA W/O SURESH MATOOR AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 12. SRI ASHOK S/O MUDAKAPA ARAKERI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 13. SRI AMARESH S/O IRAPPA HUBBALLI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 - 65 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 14. SRI BASAVALINGAPPA MAGGEPPA KOTTAL AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 15. SMT SHRIDEVI W/O DODDAYYA GURUVINA AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 16. SMT BASAVVA W/O IRAPPA BANAKAR AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 17. SRI KALAKAPPA S/O NINGAPPA TALAVAR AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 18. SRI VASANTHAKUMAR H BHAVIMANI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236 19. DR. NANDITA W/O SHIVANAGOUDA DAANARADDI AGE: MAJOR OCC: MEMBER OF TOWN PANCHAYATH YALABURGA R/O: YALABURGA TQ. YELBURGA DIST. KOPPAL-583236. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; - 66 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS SRI. VIJAYKUMAR BALAGERIMATH, ADVOCATE FOR R4; NOTICE TO R6-R19 ARE SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE APPROPRIATE WRIT/S OR ORDER/S OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 27.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE 5TH RESPONDENT BEARING NO.SECK/ULB/OTHER/1/2025-ULB AT ANNEXURE-G IN SO FAR AS YELBURGA PATTAN PANCHAYAT AT SL.NO.168 IN THE ENDS OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE CURRENCY OF THE ORDER DATED 08.05.2023 ANNEXURE-C APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO YELBURGA TOWN PANCHAYAT FROM 23.04.2023 TILL 19.08.2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS; ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE FIVE YEAR TERM OF THE COUNCIL EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM FOR 08.05.2023 TILL 19.08.2024 AND FURTHER WE DIRECTED THAT THE TERM OF THE YELBURGA PATTAN PANCHAYAT WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE MANDATE OF THE ACT IN THE ENDS OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107813 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SRI. BALAVANTGOUDA S/O. LAXMANGOUDA PATIL, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. MAHAKLINGPUR-587 312, TAL: RABKAVI-BANAHATTI, DIST: BAGALKOT. 2. SRI. MUSTAQ S/O. DASTAGIRSAB CHIKKODI, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. MAHAKLINGPUR-587 312, TAL: RABKAVI-BANAHATTI, DIST: BAGALKOT. - 67 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 3. SMT. SUJATA W/O. LAXMAN MANG, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. MAHAKLINGPUR-587 312, TAL: RABKAVI-BANAHATTI, DIST: BAGALKOT. 4. SRI. BASAPPA S/O. LAXMAN BURUD, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. MAHAKLINGPUR-587 312, TAL: RABKAVI-BANAHATTI, DIST: BAGALKOT. 5. SRI. RAJU S/O. LAKKAPPA GOUDAPPAGOL, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. MAHAKLINGPUR-587 312, TAL: RABKAVI-BANAHATTI, DIST: BAGALKOT. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHEKHARAGOUDA M. NAGAMNURI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, NAVA NAGAR, BAGALKOT-587 103. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587 301. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, - 68 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, MAHALINGPUR, REP. BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, TAL: RABKAVI-BANAHATTI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587 312. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. D.V. PATTAR, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO. NAE39MLR2025(E) DATED 26.03.2025 INSOFAR AS COPY AS PER ANNEXURE-G AS BEING ARBITRARY AND ILLEGAL AND/OR DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TOWN PANCHAYAT BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHERE THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TP BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.3; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1,2 AND 4 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER’S TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS i.e., (X TERM) EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 09.05.2023 TO 22.08.2024 i.e., THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF MAHALINGPUR TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, AND/OR ETC., IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107852 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. R. SUJATHA W/O. R. SATYANARAYANA, AGED 47 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT OF KUDUTHINI TMC R/O. WARD NO.02, NEAR ARALI KATTE, KUDUTHINI, TQ: SIRGUPPA, DIST: BELLARY-583115. - 69 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 2. KANIKERI PAMPAPATHI S/O. KANIKERI SUNKAPPA, AGED 38 YEARS, OCC: VICE-PRESIDENT OF KUDUTHINI TMC, R/O. WARD NO.04, NEAR MAREAMMA TEMPLE, KUDUTHINI, TQ: SIRUGUPPA, DIST: BELLARY-583115. ...PETITIONERS (BY SMT. SUNITHA P. KALASOOR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BELLARY-583101. 3. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURU-560080. 4. THE KUDUTHINI TOWN MUNCIPAL COUNSEL, KUDUTHINI TOWN, BALLARI DISTRICT-583115 REP. BY ITS COMMISSIONER. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 & R2; NOTICE TO R4 SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BEARING FILE NO. SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025-ULB DATED 27.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE UNDER SECRETARY STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO THE RESPONDENT NO.1 VIDE ANNEXURE-H; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR - 70 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4-TMC BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 TMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.2 ADMINISTRATOR; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELLORS OF KUDUTHINI TMC IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107853 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. ISHWAR S/O. DHARAMANNA WALENNAVAR, AGE: 74 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT, WARD NO.10, R/O. JAMKHANDI, TQ: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT. 2. NAVANDHAR S/O PRAVEEN SHYMASUNDAR AGE: 50 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.1 R/O SABADE GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 3. PAYAGOND MALLAPPA RAJENDRA AGE: 51 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.2 R/O JAGAD YELLAMMA GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 4. MALAN SUBBHARAO MORE AGE: 45 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.3 R/O MOTIBA GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 5. SUNIL S/O SHIVAJI SHINDHE AGE: 56 YEARS OCC: MEMBER WARD NO.4 R/O BHRPETH GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT. - 71 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 6. PAILAWAN HIMAYAT ALI HAJILAL AGE: 50 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.5 R/O BARAPET GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 7. ANUSUYA SUBHAS ASUGADE AGE: 49 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.6 R/O MENGANI GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 8. FHATIMA ABDUL JAMADAR AGE: 51 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.8 R/O PENDARI GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 9. GAVAROJI PARAMGOND SHIVALINGAPPA AGE: 48 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.11 R/O BHAGU GALLI, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 10. PRAKASH MALLAPPA HANGARAGI AGE: 55 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.12 R/O SIDDESWAR COLONY, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 11. REKHA YAMAPPA KAMBLE AGE: 52 YEARS OCC: VICE-PRESIDENT. WARD NO.13 R/O KAPPAL PADEMMA NAGAR, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 12. INDIRA RAMAKRISHN BHAJENTRI AGE: 45 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.14 R/O GIRISH NAGAAR, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 13. DANESH S/O SHYMARAO GHATAGE AGE: 55 YEARS OCC: MEMBER WARD NO.15 - 72 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS R/O CHENDRAGIRI PETH, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT. 14. JAMEELA MAIBHUB JANAWAD AGE: 59 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.16 R/O CHOUDAYYA NAGAR, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 15. PUTALAVVA LAXMAN CHOUDARY AGE: 47 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.17 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 16. PRASHANT SHANKAR CHARAKI AGE: 51 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.18 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 17. MANANDA SIDAGIRI KALUTI AGE: 53 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.19 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 18. POOJA GURURAJ VALWEKAR AGE: 49 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.20 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 19. GURUPADA BHIMAPPA MENDIGERI AGE: 52 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.21 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 20. BAGAVAN IMRAN FAKIRSAB AGE: 55 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.22 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT - 73 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 21. ARAKERI BANDAVVA SHANKAR AGE: 59 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.23 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 22. DILAWAR RAMJANSAB SHIROL AGE: 55 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.24 R/O JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 23. MUBARAK ABDULREHMAN APARAD AGE: 45 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.25 R/O JAM JAM COLONY, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 24. ASHURABI ASHWAK BISTI @ PAKALI AGE: 54 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.26 R/O JAMKHANDI, TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT 25. SARABI ALLAVUDDIIN SHIROL AGE: 55 YEARS OCC: MEMBER WARD NO.27 R/O RAHIMAT NAGAR, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT. 26. RIYAZ AHMED CHANDSAB TELASANG AGE: 43 YEARS OCC: MEMBER. WARD NO.28 R/O RAHIMAT NAGAR, JAMKHANDI TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT. 27. KUSHAL WAGMORE AGE: 50 YEARS OCC: MEMBER, WARD NO.30, R/O MAHALINGESHWAR COLONY, JAMKHANDI, TQ: JAMKHANDI DIST: BAGALKOT. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. M.C. HUKKERI, ADVOCATE) - 74 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, NAVANAGAR, BAGALKOT, TQ: & DIST: BAGALKOT – 587101. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, JAMKHANDI, TQ: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587101. 4. THE CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, JAMKHANDI, REP. BY THE COMMISSIONER, TQ: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT - 587101 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY UNDER SECRETORY, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BALLARI ROAD, SASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURU - 560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. PRAKASH N. HOSMANE, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. HAREESH S. NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 - CMC JAMKHANDI BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4-CMC JAMKHANDI WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.3 AS AN ADMINISTRATOR; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 - 75 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELORS OF CMC JAMKHANDI IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING RESPONDENT NO.1 TO HOLD AN ELECTION RESPONDENT NO.4 CMC JAMKHANDI BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE PRESENT TENURE OR FORTHWITH; PASS ANY OTHER ORDER, WHICH THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY DEEM FIT, INCLUDING THE COST OF THE WRIT PETITION IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107855 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SAVITA ANNAPPA LENKANNAVAR, AGE: 53 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR/PRESIDENT, R/O. SE-1, 14, 56, 55, 57, 58, 63A, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT. 2. CHANVEERAPPA NIGAPPA ANGADI, AGE: 49 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. KOULPETH MALGAI CHAL, VTC: BAGALKOTE, DIST: BAGALKOT. 3. PARVATEVVA RAMESH AKKIMARADI, AGE: 65 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. 23 CROSS VIDYAGRI BAGALKOTE DIST: BAGALKOT. 4. REKHA NAGARAJ KALABURGI, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. BVVS, TAYYABA MASUTI, ASLAM BABA AREA, HADIKYAL LAYOUT, LAXMI TALKIES, APMC, MAYACHARI, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 5. SAGAR KANAJAPPA BANDI, AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. AMBEDKAR NAGAR, JANNAT NAGAR, - 76 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS NARA GALLI, WARD NO.3, SUNAGAR GALLI, MAHIBOOBSUBANI DARGA, JAIN PETH, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 6. SMITA MANIKSA POWAR, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. 113 OLD MARKET, NEAR SHAKTI HOTEL, WARD NO.09 BAGLKOTE DIST: BAGALKOT 7. SHASHIKALA SURESH MAJJAGI, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. KUMBAR MADU, ELAMMI ONI, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 8. PREMA MOUNESH AMBIGER, AGE: 33 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. DARABAR, BUS STAND, BURLI LAYOUT, DODDA SABANNA GALLI, JOPADI GALLI, BAZAR ROAD, ARALIKATTI, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 9. RAMESH MUDAKAPPA KOTI, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. HALE BAZAR, MARATHI SCHOOL, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 10. AYYAPPA BHIMAPPA VALMIKI @ KOTAWAL, AGE: 63 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. WATER TANK AREA, COTTON MARKET, SYNDICATE BANK, IDBI BANK, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 11. SHRIHARI PRAKASH TIKARE, AGE: 29 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. HARANSHIKARI COLONY, CHURCH AREA, PWD QUARTERS, HALEKARIHALLAD AREA, BAGALKOT, - 77 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: BAGALKOT 12. JYOTI KESHAV BHAJANTRI, AGE: 56 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SHARANABASAVESWAR MATHA, SAKRI LAYOUT, RAJKUMAR TALKIES AREA, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 13. VEERAPPA VIRUPAKSHAPPA SHIRAGANNAVAR, AGE: 57 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. HAVELI, VIDYAGIRI, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 14. HEBBALLI NAGAVVA BASAVARAJ, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. NAVANAGAR UNIT-2, SE-53, 54, 60, 61, 62, 63, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 15. YALLAPPA HOLEYAPPA NARAYANI, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. RAJIV GANDHI COLONY, NAVANAGAR, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 16. AVARADI NAGARAJ SHIVAPPA, AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SE-49, 48, BTDA A-2 LAYOUT, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT - 17. DAMAJI RAVI S/O. CHANDOOLALSA AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SE-33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 32, 39, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 18. HANAMAKKANAVAR SHANTA H AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SE-29, 30, 31, 42, 41, 40, - 78 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 19. HANDI PRAKASH VEERABHADRAPPA, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SE-5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21, 20, 19, 23, 22 BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 20. SHIVABASAV CHANDRASHEKHAR BALLARI, AGE: 58 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SE-15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT. 21. CHANNAVEERAYYA SATAYYA HIREMATH, AGE: 43 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SE-2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT. 22. SHOBHA VENKATESH RAO, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. CROSS-15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, VIDYAGIRI, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 23. DYAMAVVA KALLAPPA SOOLIKERI, AGE: 65 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR, R/O. SOOLIBHAVI COLONY, BENDIGERI COLONY, MANAGOOLI, JAYANAGAR, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT 24. SHRINATH GURUSANGAPPA HARAPETI AGE: 50, OCC: COUNSELOR, R/O: HO NO.201/3 KILLAGALLI BGALKOTE DIST: BAGALOTE. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. OMKAR L. DESAI, ADVOCATE) - 79 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKAS SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001, REPT./BY ITS SECRETARY. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BAGALKOTE, DIST: BAGALKOTE - 587 101. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, BAGALKOTE, DIST: BAGALKOTE-587 101. 4. CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, BAGALKOT NAVANAGR BAGALKOTE, DIST: BAGALKOTE - 587 103 REP BY ITS COMMISSIONER. 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY UNDER SECRETARY, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BALLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURU-560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH B. NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5; NOTICE TO R4 IS SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 CMC, BAGALKOT BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD DURING WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 - CMC WAS BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.3 ADMINISTRATOR; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELORS OF CMC BAGALKOT IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING - 80 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS RESPONDENT NO.1 TO HOLD AN ELECTION RESPONDENT NO.4 BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE PRESENT TENURE OR FORTHWITH; PASS ANY OTHER ORDER, WHICH THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY DEEM FIT, INCLUDING THE COST OF THE WRIT PETITION IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107928 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. CHANNAVVA W/O. RAMAPPA KHALADGI, AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. KHANAPUR WARD NO.1, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 2. SHRI MAHADEVAPPA S/O. MURIGEPPA GANIGER, AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. HARIPUR WARD NO.2, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 3. SHRI FAKKIRESH S/O. SHIDDRAMAPPA RATTIHALLI, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRHATTI WARD NO.3, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 4. SMT. NEELAVVA W/O. YALLAPPAGOUDA HUBBALLI, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.4, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 5. SRI. PARAMESH S/O. VITOBO PARAB, AGE: 64 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.5, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 6. SRI. MUSTHAKA S/O. GOUSUSAB CHORAGASTI, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.6, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. - 81 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 7. SRI. MAHAMMADISAHAK S/O. MAHABOOBSAB ADRALLI, AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.7, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 8. SRI. ASHRATALI S/O. MEHABOOBSAB DHALAYAT, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.8, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 9. SRI. SANDEEP S/O. BASALINGAPPA KAPPATHNAVAR, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.9, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 10. SRI. SHIVAKUMAR S/O. RAMAPPA KAPPATHNAVAR, AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.10, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 11. SMT. DAVALABI W/O. MAHABOOBSAB MACHENAHALLI, AGE: 32 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.11, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 12. SMT. YASHODHA W/O. FAKKIRAPPA DONKABALLI, AGE: 58 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.12, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 13. SMT. GANGAVVA W/O. THIRAKAPPA ALUR, AGE: 58 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.13, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 14. SRI. MANJUNATH S/O. RAMAPPA GANTI, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.14, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, - 82 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: GADAG-582120. 15. SMT. DEVAKKA D/O. YALLAVVA GUDIMANI, AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.15, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 16. SRI. DEVAPPA S/O. SOMANNA AADOOR, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.16, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 17. SRI. HONNAPPA S/O. DURAGAPPA SHIRAHATTI, AGE: 42 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.17, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 18. SMT. ANITHA W/O. LAXMESH BARABAR, AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILOR T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI, R/O. SHIRAHATTI WARD NO.18, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. G.N. NARASAMMANAVAR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, THROUGH ITS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, M.S.BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION V.V. TOWER, DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, GADAG, D.C. OFFICE, GADAG-582101. - 83 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 4. THE CHIEF OFFICER, TOWN PANCHAYATH COUNCIL, SHIRHATTI, TQ: SHIRAHATTI, DIST: GADAG-582120. 5. THE UNDER SECRETARY, KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIVA NAGAR, BENGALURU-560080. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R5; NOTICE TO R4 IS SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION DATED 27.01.2025 ISSUED BY THE 5TH RESPONDENT AUTHORITY BEARING NO. SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025-ULB AS AT ANNEXURE-F INSOFAR RELATES TO SHIRAHATTI T.P.C AT SL NO.137 AND CONSEQUENTIAL ORDER DATED 26-03-2025 BEARING NO. UDA 39 MLR 2025 (E) AS AT ANNEXURE-G1 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT AUTHORITY DETERMINING THE DATE OF COMPLETION OF TENURE OF COUNCILOR AND CONSEQUENTIALLY THE COMMITTEE INSOFAR AS RELATES TO AT SL NO.6, AS CONTRARY TO SEC.18 AND SEC.315 OF KARNATAKA MUNICIPALITIES ACT, 1964; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE TENURE OF THE NUMBER UDA 48 MLR 2023 ANNEXURE-C ORDER DATED 12-05-2023 APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO SHIRAHATTI TOWN PANCHAYAT COUNCIL FROM 08-05-2023 TO 20-08-2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILORS OF T.P.C. SHIRAHATTI; ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 5 TO CALCULATE THE FIVE YEARS TERM OF THE COUNCIL EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 08-05- 2023 TO 20-08-2024 AND FURTHER BE DIRECTED THAT TERM OF SHIRAHATTI; TOWN PANCHAYAT COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF 30 MONTHS TENURE BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONERS, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY AND ETC. - 84 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107942 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SRI. GANGARAM GANAPATI BHUSAGOL, AGE: 43, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. JANATA PLOT, SANKESHWAR-591 313, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI. 2. SRI. PRAMOD S/O. APPASAHEB HOSAMANI, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. SANKESHWAR-591 313, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI. 3. SRI. UMESH S/O. RAMESH KAMBLE, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. SANKESHWAR-591 313, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI. 4. SRI. SUNIL S/O. ANNASAHEB PARVATRAO, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. SANKESHWAR-591313, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI. 5. SRI. SACHIN S/O. BABASAHEB BHOPALE, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. SANKESHWAR-591 313, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI. 6. SRI. SHIVANAND S/O. SHIVAPUTRA MUDASHI, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. SANKESHWAR-591 313, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHEKHARGOUDA NAGANURI, ADVOCATE) - 85 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BELAGAVI-590 001. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590 001. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BALLARI ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BENGALURU-560080. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, SANKESHWAR, REP. BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, TAL: HUKKERI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 313. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. DINESH M. KULKARNI, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO. NAE39MLR2025(E) DATED 24.06.2025 INSOFAR AS COPY AS PER ANNEXURE-F AS BEING ARBITRARY AND ILLEGAL AND/OR DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TOWN PANCHAYAT BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHERE THE RESPONDENT NO.5 TP BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.3; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1,2 AND 4 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER’S TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS i.e., (X - 86 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS TERM) EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 27.04.2023 TO 10.09.2024 i.e., THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF SANKESHWAR TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, AND/OR PASS ANY SUCH OTHER ORDER AS THIS HON’BLE COURT DEEMS FIT. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107966 OF 2025 BETWEEN SMT. VEENA W/O. JAGADISH KAVATAGIMATH, AGE: 49 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, CHIKODI, R/O. H.NO.898, BASAVESHWAR NAGAR, CHIKODI, TQ: CHIKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591201. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. SRINAND PACHHAPURE, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY ITS UNDER SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V. TOWER, DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CUNNINGHAM ROAD, BENGALURU-01, REPRESENTED BY ITS COMMISSIONER. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, CHIKODI, TQ: CHIKODI, DIST: BELAGAVI-591201, - 87 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS REP. BY ITS CHIEF EXCUTIVE OFFICER. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. CHETAN MUNNOLI, ADVOCATE FOR R5; NOTICE TO R4 IS SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS TO RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 PERMITTING THE PETITIONER TO CONTINUE THE FIVE YEAR TERM AS PRESIDENT OF THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF CHIKODI AND 30 MONTHS PERIOD OF PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT COMMENCING FROM THE DATE OF ELECTION FOR THE SECOND TERM i.e. FROM 12/09/2024, BY CONSIDERING THE GRIEVANCE OF THE PETITIONER VIDE REPRESENTATION DATED 27.10.2025 VIDE ANNEXURE-J. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 107985 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SHYAMSUNDAR DESAI, AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS, PRESIDENT, TOWN PANCHAYATH, KUNDAGOL, R/O. KUNDAGOL-581113, TQ: KUNDAGOL, DIST: DHARWAD. 2. MANJUNATH KOTRAYYA HIREMATH, AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS, VICE-PRESIDENT, TOWN PANCHAYATH, KUNDAGOL, R/O. KUNDAGOL-581113, TQ: KUNDAGOL, DIST: DHARWAD. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. RAJASHEKHAR BURJI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. STATE OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001, REP. BY IT’S UNDER SECRETARY. - 88 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 2. KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CUNNINGHAM ROAD, BENGALURU-560001, REP. BY ITS UNDER SECRETARY. 3. DIRECTOR, DIRECTORATE OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, 9TH AND 10TH FLOOR, VISHWESHWARAIAH TOWER, BENGALURU-560001. 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT: DHARWAD-580001, TQ: AND DIST: DHARWAD. 5. THE TAHASHILDAR, KUNDAGOL TALUK, KUNDGOL-581113, DIST: DHARWAD. 6. KUNDGOL TOWN PANCHAYAT, KUNDAGOL-581113, TQ: KUNDAGOL, DIST: DHARWAD , REP. BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1, R3, R4 & R5; SRI. HAREESH S. NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R2; SRI. M.B. PUJAR, ADVOCATE FOR R6) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR ORDER OR DIRECTION TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED LETTER DATED 27.01.2025 PASSED BY RESPONDENT NO.2 BEARING SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025- ULB PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-H, IN SO FAR IT RELATES TO RESPONDENT NO.6, TOWN PANCHAYAT; DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.2 AND 3 TO CONSIDER THE REPRESENTATION DATED 13.10.2025 PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-J AND K AND FURTHER PERMIT THE PETITIONERS TO DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF PRESIDENT AND VICE- PRESIDENT OF RESPONDENT NO.6, TOWN PANCHAYT FOR A PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS FROM 03.02.2025 AND ETC. - 89 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108095 OF 2025 BETWEEN SHRI AMOL @ KESHAV GUNJIKAR, AGE: 62 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT OF ALNAVAR PATTAN PANCHAYAT, R/O. SUBHASH ROAD, ALNAVAR, TAL: ALNAVAR, DIST: DHARWAD-581103. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. JAGADISH PATIL, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REPRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, KARNATAKA, REPRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, BALLARI ROAD, SADASHIVNAGAR, BENGALURU-560001. 3. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, 9TH AND 10TH FLOOR, VISHVESHWARIAH TOWER, AMBEDKAR ROAD, SAMPANGI, RAMA NAGAR, VASANTH NAGAR, BENGALURU-560001. 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DHARWAD, DIST: DHARWAD-580008. 5. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, DHARWAD, DIST: DHARWAD-580008. 6. THE PATTAN PANCHAYAT, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF-OFFICER , - 90 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS ALNAVAR, DIST: DHARWAD-580008. 7. THE TAHASILDAR, ALNAVAR, DIST: DHARWAD-580008. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1, R3, R4, R5 & R7; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R2; SRI. MRUTYUNJAYA B. PUJAR, ADVOCATE FOR R6) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED NOTIFICATION NO. BEARING SECK/ULB/APVP/6/2025/E248111 DATED 15/09/2025 ISSUED BY 2ND RESPONDENT VIDE ANNEXURE-D, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY; ISSUE A WRIT IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENT NO.1 TO 5 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONER TO CONTINUE AS ELECTED MEMBER TILL COMPLETION OF THE TENURE BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 15/05/2023 TO 27/08/2024, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108115 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. BASU NAIK S/O. REKYA NAIK, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCCN: AGRICULTURE & MEMBER OF PATTAN PANCHAYAT, KUDLIGI, R/O. #283, GOVINDAGIRI, KUDLIGI, WARD NO.7, TAL: KUDLIGI, DIST: VIJAYANAGARA-583135. 2. T. VENKATESH S/O. T. KOTLAMMA, AGE: 62 YEARS, OCCN: AGRICULTURE & MEMBER OF PATTAN PANCHAYAT, KUDLIGI, R/O. 77A/a/1, 5TH WARD, AZAD NAGAR, KUDLIGI, DIST: VIJAYANAGARA-583135. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. JAGADISH PATIL, ADVOCATE) - 91 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REPRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-01. 2. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, KARNATAKA, REPRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, BALLARI ROAD, SADASHIVNAGAR, BENGALURU-01. 3. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, 9TH AND 10TH FLOOR, VISHVESHWARIAH TOWER, AMBEDKAR ROAD, SAMPANGI RAMA NAGAR, VASANTH NAGAR, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA-560001. 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, VIJAYANAGAR, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583201. 5. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, VIJAYANAGARA, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583201. 6. THE TOWN MUNCIPAL COUNCIL/ PATTAN PANCHAYAT, KUDLIGI, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF-OFFICER, KUDLIGI, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583135. 7. THE TAHASILDAR, KUDLIGI, VIJAYANAGAR-583135. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1, R3, R4, R5 & R7; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R2; SRI. RAJASHEKHAR R. GUNJALLI, ADVOCATE FOR R6) - 92 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUION OF INDIA PRAYING ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER WRIT OR DIRECTION, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS 1 TO 5 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONERS TO CONTINUE AS ELECTED MEMBERS TILL COMPLETION OF TENURE BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 17/05/2023 TO 18/08/2024, IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, AND/OR PASS ANY SUCH OTHER ORDER/S DEEMED FIT, PROPER AND NECESSARY IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108122 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SRI. RUSTUM S/O. ISMAIL NIPPANI, AGE: 50 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. TERDAL, TAL: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587315. 2. SMT. SHILPA W/O. GAUTAM RODAKAR, AGE: 28 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT, R/O. DEVARAJ NAGAR, TERDAL, TAL: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587315. 3. SMT. NASAREENBANU W/O. RAJESAB NAGARJI, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: VICE-PRESIDENT, R/O. DEVARAJ NAGAR, TERDAL, TAL: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587315. 4. SMT. SANGITA S/O. KEDARI PATIL, AGE: 29 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. TERDAL, TQ: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587315. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SUNIL KHOT, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, - 93 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE-560001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V. TOWER, DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BANGALORE-560001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, D.C COMPOUND, BELAGAVI-590001. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, REP. BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, TERDAL, TAL: JAMKHANDI, DIST: BAGALKOT-587315. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. MAHANTESH R. PATIL, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT TO QUASH THE COMMUNICATION DATED 26.03.2025 BEARING NO.NAE39 MLR 2025 (E) PASSED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT, IN SO FAR AS SERIAL NO.9, INDICATING THAT THE TENURE OF THE TERDAL TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL WILL COME TO AN END ON 07.11.2025, VIDE ANNEXURE-F; DIRECT, TO DECLARE THAT THE DURATION FROM 09.05.2023 TO 25.08.2024, UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATOR, SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL 5 YEARS OF THE TENURE OF THE COUNCILLORS OF THE TERDAL TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL; DIRECT, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENT AUTHORITIES TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF 5 YEARS OF THE COUNCIL, EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 09.05.2023 TO 25.08.2024, DURING WHICH THEM TERDAL TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL WAS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATOR AND ETC. - 94 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108132 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. CHANDRAKALA W/O SURESH NAIK AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR, R/O: RAVINDRA NAGAR, SIRSI ROAD SIDDAPUR- 581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA. 2. VINAY S/O SADASHIV HONNEGUNDI AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: VICE PRESIDENT TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: HONNEGUNDI, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 3. KAVITA W/O PRAKASH HEGDE AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR, R/O: HANAJIBYL, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 4. KRISHNA S/O GOVIND NAIK AGE: 63 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O:HANAJIBYL, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 5. VIJENDRA S/O MAHANAND GOUDAR AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: HOSUR, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 6. SUDIR S/O SADASHIV NAIK AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: KONDLI, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA - 95 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 7. VENKOBA N. G S/O YALLAPPA AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: KONDLI, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 8. NANDAN S/O PARASHURAM BORKAR AGE: 49 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: HALADAKATTA, SIDDAPUR- 581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 9. RADHIKA W/O MANOHAR KANAGOD AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: HALADAKATTA, SIDDAPUR- 581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA. 10. GURURAJ S/O DAMODAR SHANBAG AGE: 53 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: RAVINDRA NAGAR, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA. 11. MANJULA W/O GANAPATI NAIK AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: LAKSHMINAGAR, JOGA ROAD, HOSUR, SIDDAPUR 581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 12. YASHODA W/O RAGAVENDRA MADIVAL AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: HAKKALAKERI, HOSUR, SIDDAPUR-581355, - 96 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 13. MARUTI S/O TIMMA NAIK AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: KEREGUDDEKERI, SIDDAPUR- 581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 14. MUBEENABANU W/O MUNAVAR GURUKAR AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: KALIDASAGALLI, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA 15. RAVIKUMAR S/O VENKATRAMAN NAIK AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: MEMBER TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR R/O: KONDLI, JATIKATTA, SIDDAPUR 581355, DIST: UTTARA KANNDA. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. KIRANKUMAR CHATTIMATH, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, URBUN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALUR-01. 2. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, REP. BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, SADASHIV NAGAR, BENGALURU-01. 3. THE DIRECTOR MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, 9TH AND 10TH FLOOR, VISHVESWARAIAH TOWER, AMBEDKAR ROAD, SAMPANGI RAMA NAGAR, - 97 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS VASANTH NAGAR BENGALURU, KARNATAKA- 560001. 4. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, UTTARA KANNADA DISTRICT, KARWAR- 581301. 5. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SIRSI- 581401, DIST: KARWAR. 6. THE TAHASILDAR, SIDDAPUR- 581355, DIST: KARWAR. 7. TOWN PANCHAYAT SIDDAPUR, REP. BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, SIDDAPUR-581355, DIST: KARWAR. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M, AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R6; SRI. VINAYAK B. HEGDE, ADVOCATE FOR R7) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED NOTIFICATION BEARING NO. SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025-ULB DATED 27/01/2025 PASSED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT VIDE ANNEXURE-E, IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND EQUITY; DECLARE THAT THE DURATION OF THE CURRENCY OF THE ORDER DATED 08/05/2023 APPOINTING ADMINISTRATOR TO SIDDAPUR PATTAN PANCHAYAT FROM 09.05.2023 TO 24.08.2024 SHALL NOT USURP THE TOTAL FIVE YEARS OF THE TERM OF THE COUNCILORS VIDE ANNEXURE-B BEARING NO.NAAE48 MLR 2023 AND DECLARE AS NULL AND VOID; TO ISSUE A WRIT IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO 1,2,3 AND 4 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONERS TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 09.05.2023 TO 23.08.2024 THAT IS THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF RESPONDENT NO.7/ SIDDAPUR TOWN PANCHAYAT APPOINTED U/S 315 OF THE KARNATAKA MUNICIPALITIES ACT SO AS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND ETC. - 98 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108158 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. M. FATEEMA W/O. SHAKSHAVALI, AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT, R/O. 20TH WARD BANGERI, HARAPANAHALLI-583131, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. 2. L. DADAPEER S/O. LATI MAHABOOBSAB, AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS, OCC: TMC MEMBER R/O. 11TH WARD, SUNAGARAGERI, HARAPANAHALLI-583131, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. 3. D. ABDUL REHEMANSAB S/O. YUSUF SAB, AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS, OCC: TMC MEMBER, R/O. PATANGERI, 13TH WARD, HARAPANAHALLI-583131, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. 4. T. VENKATESH S/O. T. UCHENGEMMA, AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS, OCC: TMC MEMBER, R/O. 26TH WARD, VALMIKINAGAR, ARASIKER ROAD, HARAPANAHALLI-583131, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. ANIL KALE, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 4TH FLOOR, VIKAS SUVARNA SOUDHA, - 99 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS BENGALURU-560 001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V.TOWER, DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560 001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, HOSEPETE-583201, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. 4. THE TAHASHILDAR, HARAPANAHALLI-583131, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. 5. THE COMMISSIONER, CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, HARAPANAHALLI-583131, VIJAYANAGAR DISTRICT. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R4; SRI. SHARANABASAVARAJ C., ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE WRIT OF MANDAMUS, DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO NOT TO APPOINT ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE FORMATION OF THE NEW COUNCIL OF HARAPANAHALLI CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; ISSUE ANY WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION AS THIS HON’BLE COURT MAY DEEM FIT IN THE FACT AND CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE CASE AND IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108176 OF 2025 BETWEEN SRI. G. SIDDAYYA S/O. SHIVASHANKARAYYA, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: BUSINESS, R/AT. #366, UJJINI ROAD, - 100 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS RENUKA TALKIES, KOTTURU, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583134. ...PETITIONER (BY SMT. SHOBHA H., ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560 001. 2. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560 080. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, VIJAYANAGAR, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583134. 4. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, HARAPPANAHALLI, TQ: HARAPPANALLI, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583134. 5. THE CHIEF OFFICER, TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, KOTTURU, TQ: KOTTURU, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR-583134. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R4; SRI. V. SHIVARAJ HIREMATH, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF CERTIORARI TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED COMMUNICATION BEARING NO.SECK/ULB/OTHR/1/2025- ULB DATED 27.01.2025, ISSUED BY THE UNDER SECRETARY STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO THE RESPONDENT NO.1 VIDE ANNEXURE- - 101 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS G; ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 TO CALCULATE THE TERM OF RESPONDENT NO.4 BY EXCLUDING THE PERIOD WHICH RESPONDENT NO.4 TOWN PANCHAYAT BEING MANAGED BY RESPONDENT NO.4 ADMINISTRATOR; ALTERNATIVELY ISSUE A WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION IN THE NATURE OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 AND 2 NOT TO APPOINT THE ADMINISTRATOR TILL THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULT OF NEXT ELECTION OF COUNSELLORS OF KOTTURU TOWN PANCHAYATH IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108277 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. FARIDABEGAM W/O. USMANSAB BABARACHI, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT. KALAL STREET, NAVALGUND, TAL: NAVALGUND, DIST: DHARWAD-582208. 2. SMT. HUSENABI W/O. IMAMASAB DHARWAD, AGE: 54 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: KALLIMATH STREET, NAVALGUND, TAL: NAVALGUND, DIST: DHARWAD-582208. 3. SMT. MUDAKAVVA W/O. BIRAPPA BENDIGERI, AGE: 63 YEARS, ICC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: MANJUNATH NAGAR, NAVALGUND, TAL: NAVALGUND, DIST: DHARWAD-582208. 4. SRI. MAHANTESH S/O. KRISHNAJI KALAL, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: KALAL ONI, NAVALGUND, TAL: NAVALGUND, - 102 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS DIST: DHARWAD-582208. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHIVAKUMAR APPANNA APARAJ, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP BY THE UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION M.S. BUILDING BANGALORE-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, DHARWAD, DIST: DHARWAD-587103. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, DHARWAD, TQ: DHARWAD, DIST: DHARWAD-587301. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560080. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, REP BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, NAVALGUND, TAL: NAVALGUND, DIST: DHARWAD. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M, AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1-R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. MRUTYUNJAY B. PUJAR, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 TO 5 NOT TO APPOINT AN ADMINISTRATOR TO NAVALGUND TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL TILL THE PETITIONER’S EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE TERM OF 60 MONTHS - 103 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND/OR PASS ANY SUCH OTHER ORDER AS THIS HON’BLE COURT DEEMS FIT. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108278 OF 2025 BETWEEN: 1. SRI. SURAJ S/O MANOHAR NAIK, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT, R/AT: KOTEWADA. ANKOLA, TAL: ANKOLA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA. 2. SMT. JAYA W/O BALAKRISHNA NAIK, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: ANKOLA, TQ: ANKOLA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA. 3. SRI. JAYAPRAKASH S/O GANAPATI NAIK, AGE: 61 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: JOGALSE, ANKOLA, TAL: ANKOLA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA. 4. SMT. TARA SURESH NAIK, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: ANKOLA, TQ: ANKOLA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA. 5. SRI. ASHOK S/O MANGESH SHEDAGERI, AGE: 48 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/AT: JOGALSE, ANKOLA, TAL: ANKOLA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA. … PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHIVAKUMAR APARAJ, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP. BY THE UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, BANGALORE-560 001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, - 104 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS UTTAR KANNADA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA-587 103. 3. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, ANKOLA, TQ: ANKOLA, DIST: KARWAR-587 301. 4. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO. 16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BANGALORE-560 080. 5. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, REP. BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER, ANKOLA, TAL: ANKOLA, DIST: UTTAR KANNADA. … RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. ASHOK T. KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 TO R3; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. S.V. YAJI, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS NO. 1 TO 5 NOT TO APPOINT AN ADMINISTRATOR TO ANKOLA TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL TILL THE PETITIONER’S EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE TERM OF 60 MONTHS AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108279 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. SHASHIKALA W/O. RAMU MALAGI, AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC: CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCILOR, R/O. MANJUNATH NAGAR, IJARILAKAMAPUR, HAVERI, TQ: & DIST: HAVERI-581110. 2. SMT. KAVITA W/O. ADIVEYYA YALAVIGIMATH, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCILOR, R/O. 3RD CROSS, ASHWINI NAGAR, HAVERI, TQ: & DIST: HAVERI-581110. - 105 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 3. PRASANNASINGH S/O. SHEKHARSING DHARWADKAR, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCILOR, R/O. VIDYANAGAR (WEST), HAVERI, TQ: & DIST: HAVERI-581110. 4. RAVI S/O. SADANAND DODDAMANI, AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCILOR, R/O. WARD NO.03, BEHIND KANNADA SCHOOL NAGENDRA MATTI, TQ: & DIST: HAVERI-581110. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. K.S. KORISHETTAR, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, REP BY THE UNDER SECRETARY, DEPT. OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, ZILLA ADALITA BHAVANA, HAVERI-581110. 3. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, NO.16, 2ND AND 3RD FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD, SADASHIV NAGAR, ARAMANE ROAD, BENGALURU-560080, R/BY ITS UNDER SECRETARY. 4. THE CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, REP BY ITS COMMISSIONER, HAVERI, TQ: & DIST: HAVERI-581110. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M, AAG AND SRI. PRAVEEN K. UPPAR, AGA FOR R1 & R2; SRI. HAREESH NAYAK, ADVOCATE FOR R3; NOTICE TO R4 IS SERVED) - 106 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER PASSED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT i.e. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, BENGALURU, R/BY ITS UNDER SECRETARY BEARING NO.SECK/ULB/APVP/6/2025/E248111, DATED 15.09.2025, i.e., ANNEXURE-G AND AS PER THE SAID ORDER, THE RESPONDENT NO.2 i.e. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, HAVERI, ISSUED A LETTER TO THE RESPONDENT NO.4 i.e., THE CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, HAVERI, R/BY ITS COMMISSIONER i.e., CHUNAVANE/VAHI-03/2025-26 DATED 30/10/2025, i.e., ANNEXURE-H; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR DIRECTION AND DIRECT THE RESPONDENTS NO.1 TO 4 TO PERMIT THE PETITIONERS TO COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS EXCLUDING THE PERIOD FROM 30.04.2023 TO 03.09.2024 i.e., THE PERIOD OF ADMINISTRATOR BEING IN CHARGE OF HAVERI CITY MUNCIPAL COUNCIL IN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108358 OF 2025 BETWEEN SHRI RAVIRAJ S/O. CHANDRAHAS ANKOLEKAR, AGE: 37 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT OF CMC, KARWAR, R/O. HOUSE NO.1472/C, NEAR HIGH CHURCH ROAD, KARWAR, TAL: KARWAR, DIST: UTTARA KANNADA. ...PETITIONER (By SRI. SHIVRAJ S. BALLOLI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPALITY ADMINISTRATION, VIDHANA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY. - 107 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 2. THE DIRECTORATE OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, AMBEDKAR VIDHI, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS DIRECTOR. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, UTTARA KANNADA, DC OFFICE, UTTARA KANNADA-590 001. 4. THE CITY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, KARWAR, TAL: KARWAR, DIST: UTTARA KANNADA-591 102, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER. 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CUNNINGHAM ROAD, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 – R3; SRI. S.V. YAJI, ADVOCATE FOR R4; SRI. HAREESH NAIK, ADVOCATE FOR R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO NOT TO APPOINT ANY ADMINISTRATOR TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT COUNCIL TILL THE ELECTIONS TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT ARE DECLARED; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO DECLARE, NOTIFY AND HOLD ELECTIONS TO THE COUNCIL OF THE 4TH RESPONDENT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108359 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. SMT. JYOTI GOVINAKOPPA W/O. RAGHAVENDRA, AGE: 35 YEARS, - 108 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS OCC: COUNCILLOR, R/O. #205, GUGGARI PETH GULEDGUDDA, WARD NO.03, GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT-587 203. 2. SHRI. AMARESH S/O. GUNDAPPA KAVADIMATTI AGE: 44 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: NAGARI PETH, WARD NO.1, GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT - 587 203 3. SMT. SHILPA N. HALLI AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: GULEDGUDDA, DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 4. SMT. NAGARATNA LAKKUNDI W/O. MAHANTESH AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: WARD NO.5, GULEDGUDDA, DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 5. SMT. JYOTI M. ALLUR AGE: 35 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: GULEDGUDDA, DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 6. SMT. SUMITRA KODABALLI W/O. SANGAPPA AGE: 47 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: WARD NO.5, BAGAWAN PETH GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 7. SMT. RAJESHWARI B. UNKI AGE: 48 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 - 109 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 8. SHRI. RAFIK AHAMED S/O. HASANDONDRI KALBURGI AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: BAGAWAN PETH, WARD NO.5, GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 9. SHRI. SANTOSH S/O. SHEKARAPPA NAINEGALI AGE: 43 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: NAINEGALI STREET, NEAR BALAJI KALYAN MANTAP, GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST.: BAGALKOT - 587 203 10. SHRI. PRASHANTH S/O. SURESH JAVALI AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: WARD NO.6, MARUTI NAGAR GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 11. SHRI. SHYAMSUNDAR S/O. SHANKRAPPA MEDI AGE: 43 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: WARD NO.4, RAJANGANI PETH, GULEDGUDDA GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 12. SHRI. YALLAPPA S/O. SANGAPPA MANNIKATTI AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: MANNIKATTI ONI, WARD NO.1, GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST: BAGALKOT 587 203 13. SHRI. VITHALSA S/O. MOTHILASA AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: WARD NO.4, NADUVIN PETH, GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT, DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 - 110 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 14. SHRI. VINOD S/O. NURANDAPPA MADANI AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: WARD NO.4, GULEDGUDDA, DIST: BAGALKOT 587 203 15. SHRI. KASHINATH S/O. BHIMANNA KALAL AGE: 71 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR R/O: GULEDGUDDA, BAGALKOT DIST: BAGALKOT - 587 203 ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. SHIVARAJ S. BALLOLI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPALITY ADMINISTRATION, VIDHANA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY. 2. THE DIRECTORATE OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, AMBEDKAR VIDHI, BENGALURU - 560 001 REPRESENTED BY ITS DIRECTOR 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BAGALKOTE, DC OFFICE, BAGALKOTE 587 001 4. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, GULEDAGUDDA, TAL: GULEDAGUDDA, DIST: BAGALKOTE 587 203 REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CUNNINGHAM ROAD, BENGALURU - 560 001 REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M. AAG AND - 111 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1 – R3; SRI. HAREESH NAIK, ADVOCATE FOR R5; NOTICE TO R4 IS SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO NOT TO APPOINT ANY ADMINISTRATOR TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT COUNCIL TILL THE ELECTIONS TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT ARE DECLARED; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO DECLARE, NOTIFY AND HOLD ELECTIONS TO THE COUNCIL OF THE 4TH RESPONDENT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108448 OF 2025 BETWEEN 1. MANJUNATH S/O. MALLAPPA SOPPIN, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, TMC, HUVINA HADAGALI, R/O. 9TH WARD, RENUKA NAGAR, HUVINA HADAGALI-583219. 2. CHANDRA NAIK S/O. NANYA NAIK, AGE: 45 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, TMC, HUVINA HADAGALI, R/O. 17TH WARD, VEERABHADRESHWARA LAYOUT, HUVINA HADAGALI-583219. 3. HANUMANTHAPPA S/O. RAMAPPA, AGE: 56 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, TMC, HUVINA HADAGALI, R/O. MAIN ROAD, HUVINA HADAGALI-583219. 4. S. THIMMAPPA S/O. VENKAPPA, AGE: 57 YEARS, OCC: COUNCILLOR, TMC, HUVINA HADAGALI, R/O. 22ND WARD, NEAR KATAKARA ONI, RAMADEVARAGUDI, HUVINA HADAGALI-583219. - 112 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS ...PETITIONERS (By SRI. ABHINANDAN HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND 1. STATE OF KARNATAKA, THROUGH ITS UNDER SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, M.S. BUILDING, BENGALURU-560001. 2. THE DIRECTOR OF MUNCIPAL ADMINISTRATION, V.V. TOWER, DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR VEEDHI, BENGALURU-560001. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, OFFICE OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, VIJAYANAGAR, DIST: HOSAPETE-583201. 4. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, HARAPANAHALLI, VIJAYANAGAR DIST-583131. 5. THE TAHASHILDAR, HUVINAHADAGALI, TQ: HUVINAHADAGALI, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR. 6. TOWN MUNCIPAL COUNCIL, REP BY CHIEF OFFICER, HUVINAHADAGALI-583219, DIST: VIJAYANAGAR. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R5) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE WRIT OF - 113 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS CERTIORARI, QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 BEARING NO. NA A EE 287 MLR 2025 DATED 06.11.2025, PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-H THEREBY APPOINTING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO HUVINAHADAGALI TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE AND ETC. IN WRIT PETITION NO. 108481 OF 2025 BETWEEN SHRI VIJAY S/O. SHRISHAIL BOLANNAVAR, AGE: 33 YEARS, OCC: PRESIDENT OF TMC, BAILHONGAL, R/O. HOUSE NO.421B/9/7/3, MRUTHYUNJAYA NAGAR, BAILHONGAL, TAL: BAILHONGAL, DIST: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. SHIVRAJ S. BALLOLI, ADVOCATE) AND 1. THE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA, DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPALITY ADMINISTRATION, VIDHANA SOUDHA, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY. 2. THE DIRECTORATE OF MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, M.S. BUILDING, AMBEDKAR VIDHI, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS DIRECTOR. 3. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, BELAGAVI, DC OFFICE, BELAGAVI-590 001. 4. THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, BAILHONGAL, TAL: BAILHONGAL, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 102, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF OFFICER. - 114 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 5. THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CUNNINGHAM ROAD, BENGALURU-560 001, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER. 6. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, BAILHONGAL, SUB-DIVISION, BAILHONGAL, DIST: BELAGAVI-591 102. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. GANGADHAR J.M., AAG AND SRI. ASHOK KATTIMANI, AGA FOR R1-R3 & R6) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT, ORDER QUASHING THE GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION BEARING NO. NAE 287 MAA 2025 DATED 06/11/2025, PUBLISHED IN THE KARNATAKA GAZETTE DATED 07/11/2025, INSOFAR AS IT RELATES TO THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATOR TO THE TOWN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, BAILHONGAL AT SL. NO.15 AT ANNEXURE-G; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO NOT TO APPOINT ANY ADMINISTRATOR TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT COUNCIL TILL THE ELECTIONS TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT ARE DECLARED; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO DECLARE, NOTIFY AND HOLD ELECTIONS TO THE COUNCIL OF THE 4TH RESPONDENT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND ETC. THESE PETITIONS HAVING BEEN HEARD AND RESERVED FOR ORDERS ON 27TH NOVEMBER 2025 AND W.P. NO.108278/2025 RESERVED ON 01ST DECEMBER 2025 AND COMING ON FOR PRONOUNCEMENT THIS DAY, THE COURT PRONOUNCED THE FOLLOWING: - 115 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS CAV ORDER (PER: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ANANT RAMANATH HEGDE) Whether the administrator can be appointed under the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964 (for short ‘Act, 1964’) in case the election to the Municipal Council is not held before the expiry of the tenure of the elected Municipal Council, is the question that needs to be resolved. 2. It is admitted that in all the petitions, the 5 years’ term of the Municipal Council has come to an end. 3. The petitioners contend that the State has no power either under the Act, 1964 or under the Constitution of India to appoint the Administrator in a situation where the election is not held to the Municipal Council even after expiry of its five years’ tenure. 4. Learned senior counsel Sri Jaykumar S. Patil appearing for the petitioners raised the following contentions:- - 116 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS (a) Under Article 243(U) of Constitution of India there is a mandate to hold elections within 5 years from the date of first meeting. (b) There is no provision under the Constitution of India to appoint an Administrator in case election is not held before completion of five years’ tenure. (c) Sections 42 or 315 of Act, 1964 do not enable the State to appoint the Administrator in case elections are not held to the council before completion of the tenure. (d) The provisions of Article 243(U) should be read to hold that the tenure of the councillors will come to an end only after the election is held to the Municipal Council. 5. Learned Additional Advocate General Sri Gangadhar J.M. would contend as under:- - 117 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS (a) The Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Sri. Allauddin and Others vs. The State of Karnataka and Others1 has held that the time during which the Administrator was holding the office cannot be excluded to reckon the tenure of the elected body. (b) The petitioners having not questioned the earlier order appointing the Administrator cannot seek to exclude the period during which the administrator was appointed. (c) The petitioners who are elected for 5 years do not have any subsisting right to continue the office beyond 5 years. (d) Under Section 315 read with Section 389 of the Act, 1964 the State has the power to appoint the Administrator in case the elections are not held before completion of the tenure. 1 W.P. No.106387/2025 & Connected matters - 118 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS (e) The Division Bench of this Court in Laxman Lakappa Ningannavar vs. The State of Karnataka2 has held that the power is vested with the Government to appoint the Administrator after expiry of 5 years. 6. Learned Senior counsel appearing for the petitioners in reply would contend that Section 389 of the Act, 1964 has no application to the fact situation obtaining in these petitions. 7. In addition, learned Senior counsel placed reliance on the judgment of the Hon’ble Apex Court in Kishansing Tomar vs Municipal Corporation of the City of Ahmedabad and Others3 to contend that the election has to be held before expiry of the term and for any reason, if it is not held, then the tenure of the council should be interpreted to mean that, it would be from first meeting of the municipal council to the next election. In addition, 2 WA NO.100111/2021 & Connected matters 3 (2006) 8 SCC 352 - 119 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS reliance is also placed on the judgment of the Apex Court in Suresh Mahajan vs. State of Madhya Pradesh and Another4. 8. The Court has considered the contentions raised at the Bar and perused the records. 9. The Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Sri. Allauddin (supra) has answered the questions raised in those petitions and the findings of the Co-ordinate Bench can be summarised as under:- (a) The tenure of the Councillors in Municipal Council cannot be extended beyond 5 years in case the election is not held before expiry of 5 years’ tenure. (b) The petitioners/councillors who have not challenged the earlier order appointing the Administrator under Section 315 of the Act, 1964, cannot challenge the order appointing the 4 (2022) 12 SCC 770 - 120 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS Administrator after completion of the tenure, to claim extension of tenure. (c) The period during which the Administrator was in office cannot be excluded from calculating the term of the Municipal Council. (d) The notification issued by the State to hold elections do not impinge the rights of the councillors. 10. As already noticed, the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Sri. Allauddin (supra) has concluded that the petitioners/elected councillors cannot claim extension of tenure beyond 5 years in view of the mandate under Article 243 of the Constitution of India. The Court has also held that the period during which the Administrator was in office cannot be excluded from calculating the term of the office. In addition, the Co-ordinate Bench has also held that the notification issued by the State to hold elections could not impinge the rights of the petitioners. - 121 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 11. However, the petitioners contend that the question as to whether Administrator can be appointed in case election is not held before the expiry of the tenure of the Municipal Council is not raised in Allauddin (supra). 12. To answer the question raised, it is necessary to refer to Article 243(U) of Constitution of India which reads as under:- “243U. Duration of Municipalities, etc. - (1) Every Municipality, unless sooner dissolved under any law for the time being in force, shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer: Provided that a Municipality shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard before its dissolution. (2) No amendment of any law for the time being in force shall have the effect of causing dissolution of a Municipality at any level, which is functioning immediately before such amendment, till the expiration of its duration specified in clause (1). (3) An election to constitute a Municipality shall be completed,- (a) before the expiry of its duration specified in clause (1); - 122 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS (b) before the expiration of a period of six months from the date of its dissolution: Provided that where the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Municipality would have continued is less than six months, it shall not be necessary to hold any election under this clause for constituting the Municipality for such period. (4) A Municipality constituted upon the dissolution of a Municipality before the expiration of its duration shall continue only for the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Municipality would have continued under clause (1) had it not been so dissolved.” (Emphasis supplied) 13. The contention that Article 243(U) of the Constitution of India has to be understood to mean that the term of the elected body is from first meeting after the election to the next election, cannot be accepted for the following reasons. (a) The language employed in Article 243(U)(1) is very specific. In addition to specifying the tenure of the Municipality (elected council) as 5 years, the provision also mandates that the tenure cannot be beyond 5 years. That is - 123 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS explicit from the expression “shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer”. (b) It is indeed true that the Article 243(U) does not provide for appointment of Administrator in case election is not held before completion of the tenure. However, that does not mean that the tenure of the Municipal Council gets extended till the next election. Such an interpretation will render Article 243(U)(1) which provides for 5 years’ tenure and “no longer” nugatory. It is settled position of law that the interpretation which renders a provision nugatory shall not be adopted unless there are compelling reasons to do so. Said principle applies with more rigour when it comes to interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution. (c) As rightly pointed out by Sri J.M. Gangadhar, learned Additional Advocate General, the Article - 124 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 243(U)(1) is to assure the tenure of the Councillors. Article 243(U)(3)(a) imposes the obligation to hold election (by Election Commission) before expiry of the tenure. Both provisions have a different purpose to serve. There is nothing in the Article 243(U) to indicate the that tenure of the councillors can be extended after completion of 5 years provided in Article 243(U) of the Constitution of India. 14. It is also relevant to notice, even under Section 18 of the Act, 1964 the tenure of the Councillor is fixed for 5 years as mandated under Article 243(U)(1). 15. Learned Senior counsel for the petitioners placing reliance on Kishansingh Tomar (supra), invited the attention of the Court to paragraph No.14 of the said judgment, which reads as under:- “So, in any case, the duration of the municipality is fixed as five years from the date of its first meeting and no longer. It is incumbent upon the Election Commission - 125 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS and other authorities to carry out the mandate of the Constitution and to see that a new municipality is constituted in time and elections to the municipality are conducted before the expiry of its duration of five years as specified in clause (1) of Article 243-U.” 16. It is evident that even the Apex Court has held that the duration of the Municipality is 5 years from the date of its first meeting and no longer and though the judgment has stressed on the duty of the Election Commissioner and others authorities to carry out the mandate and to ensure that new Municipalities are constituted in time, before expiry of the duration of 5 years as provided in of Article 243(U)(1), the Apex Court has not held that the duration of the councillors gets extended beyond 5 yeas till the new election is held. 17. The ratio laid down in Suresh Mahajan (supra), is also to the effect that elections to the Municipal Council has to be held before expiry of 5 years’ tenure. However, the said judgment does not lay down a law to hold that in case election is not held before expiry of 5 years tenure, the - 126 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS councillors can continue beyond 5 years term fixed under Article 243(U)(1) of Constitution of India and Section 18 of Act, 1964. 18. Now the question is whether the State can appoint an Administrator under Sections 315 and 389 of the Act, 1964 or appointment of Administrator is impermissible in a situation where 5 years’ tenure has come to an end. 19. Learned Senior counsel for the petitioners would urge that Section 389 of Act, 1964, the provision which confers the power to remove difficulty has no application to the present facts of the case. It is urged that Section 389 applies only in a situation where there is difficulty in applying the express provision in the Act. Section 389 cannot be applied to appoint an Administrator when Section 315 or any other provision does not provide for appointing an Administrator in a situation where the tenure of the elected body has expired, is the contention. - 127 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 20. Sections 315 and 389 of Act, 1964 read as under:- “315. Power to appoint administrator in certain cases.— (1) Whenever,— (a) any general election to a municipal council under this Act or any proceedings consequent thereon have been stayed by an order of a competent court or authority, or (b) the election of all the councillors or more than two-thirds of the whole number of councillors of the municipal council has been declared by a competent court or authority to be void, or (c) x x x (d) all the councillors or more than two-thirds of the whole number of councillors of the municipal council have resigned, so however, the total period of such appointment shall not exceed six months. The State Government by notification in the official Gazette, appoint an administrator for such period as may be specified in the notification and may, by like notification, curtail and extend either prospectively or retrospectively the period of such appointment. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, on the appointment of an administrator under sub-section (1), during the period of such appointment, the said municipal council and committees thereof and the President and Vice- - 128 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS president charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act, or any other law, shall cease to exercise any powers and perform and discharge any duties or functions conferred or imposed on them by or under this Act or any other law and all such powers shall be exercised and all such duties and functions shall be performed and discharged by the administrator. (3) The State Government may, if it thinks fit, appoint an advisory council to advise and assist the administrator appointed under sub-section (1) in the exercise of the powers and the performance and discharge of the duties and functions conferred or imposed on him under this Act or any other law. The members of the advisory council shall hold office during the pleasure of the State Government.” “389. - Removal of difficulties.- If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette as the occasion may require do anything which appears to it to be necessary to remove the difficulty. 21. Relevant portion of Section 18 of the Act, 1964 reads as under:- 18. Term of office of Councillors.- (1) The term of office of a councillor,- - 129 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS (a) elected at a general election shall be five years; XXXXX (1A) The term of office of the councillor elected at a general election or nominated in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 11 shall commence on the date appointed for the first meeting of the municipal council.” 22. On a reading of Section 315 of the Act, 1964 it is evident that Section 315 does not provide for appointment of Administrator in a situation where the tenure of the Municipal Council has come to an end and election is not held for the Municipal Council. As already noticed, under Article 243(U)(1) tenure of the Municipality (the elected council) cannot extend beyond 5 years from the date of first meeting after the election. 23. The question is who should run and manage the administration of the Municipality in a situation where the tenure has come to an end and election is not held to the Municipal Council. - 130 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 24. By interpreting Article 243(U) of Constitution of India, should the term be extended beyond 5 years from the date of first meeting of the election till the election is held or whether the provision can be interpreted to hold that the State can step in by appointing the Administrator in a situation where the election to the Municipal Council is not held even after expiry of the tenure of the Municipal Council. 25. It is well settled principle of law that in case of vacuum or gap in law, which does not explicitly cover a particular situation, then if possible without violating the express provisions, the interpretation should aim at bridging the gap, to suppress the mischief and to advance the cause of justice or larger good. If this approach is adopted, then the interpretation should lean in favour of appointing the Administrator. The reasons are as under;- (a) A Councillor is elected for a 5 years’ term and not beyond. Even the voter who has voted to elect a - 131 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS Councillor has voted for a term of 5 years and not beyond. It cannot be assumed that voters who voted for a Councillor intend that the Councillor should continue after expiry of the 5 years term without there being any election. The voter may or may not vote in favour of the Councillor in case election is held for the next term. The right to vote and elect a councillor for a specific term is available to the voter in the election. Even the voter does not have a choice under the scheme of the Constitution or under the Act, 1964 to urge that tenure of his elected Councillor should be extended without there being any election. (b) The councillor has contested the election with a specific understanding that his tenure is for 5 years from the date of the first meeting of the council (after election) and not beyond. (c) It is also quite possible that in the interregnum between the election and expiry of 5 years’ tenure, - 132 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS new voters who have crossed 18 years may not wish to be governed by the Councillors to whom they have not voted. 26. Thus, the interpretation that the tenure gets extended in the absence of any election or the interpretation that the Administrator cannot be appointed after expiry of 5 years’ term in the event of election not being held, does not suppress the mischief and or advance the cause of justice. In fact, such interpretation violates the mandate of Article 243(U)(1) of Constitution of India. On the other hand, the interpretation that, in the absence of an elected body (because of expiry of the tenure) the appointment of an Administrator by the elected Government at the State (through its executive), does not violate Article 243(U)(1) of Constitution of India and said interpretation does not violate the mandate of Article 243(U)(3)(a) which mandates election before the expiry of the term. The reason is appointment of Administrator is not the reason for - 133 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS not holding the election, but, not holding the election is the reason for appointing the Administrator. 27. In addition to the above said reasons, it is noticed from Section 315 of Act, 1964 that the provision enables appointing Administrator in following situations:- (a) Where the election to the council is stayed by an order of competent Court or an Authority (b) Where the election of all Councillors or more than 2/3rd of the Councillors election is declared void. (c) Where more than 2/3rd of the Councillors have resigned. 28. It is to be noticed that Section 315 is contemplated in a situation where the elected body is not functioning or in a situation where election is not held pursuant to an order by the competent Court or Authority. The whole purpose behind Section 315 is to ensure smooth administration of Municipality in a situation where Councillors cannot act. - 134 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 29. The Court has already held that the decision to appoint the Administrator is by the elected Government in the State. And the decision is taken in a situation where the tenure of the Council has come to an end. Section 315 essentially aims at providing for an Administrator to ensure smooth day to day functioning of the Municipality in a situation where elected body is not functioning. 30. In a situation where the term of the elected body has come to an end, the elected body is not in a position to function. Thus, in such a situation Section 315 can be applied even in a situation where the Municipal Council is not functioning on account of expiry of tenure. 31. This being the position, the power of the State Government to appoint the Administrator when the term of the Municipal Council has expired can be read into in Section 315 though it is not expressly contemplated in the provision. However, such situation does attract Section 315 - 135 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS as the purpose of the provision to provide for an Administrator where the Council is not functioning and such interpretation is necessary to achieve the object of Article 243(U)(1) which provides for tenure of the Municipal Council only for 5 years and not beyond. 32. Accepting the contention that Section 315 does not apply to the situation found in the present petitions, it is to be noticed that the Act of 1964, aims at providing self governance by the people in the Municipal area in connection with certain matters provided in the Act, 1964. However the State’s control over the Municipality is quite evident and pervasive in the provisions of the Act, 1964 referred to below:- STATE GOVERNMENT’S POWERS OVER MUNICIPALITIES UNDER KARNATAKA MUNICIPALITIES ACT, 1964 Sections Summary 3 Governor notifies smaller urban areas as municipalities based on population/density criteria. Enables state to designate municipal status via gazette. - 136 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 4 Governor alters municipal boundaries post-consultation; vests/excludes property/funds accordingly. Facilitates inclusion/exclusion of areas with asset transfers. 5 Mandates erection/maintenance of boundary marks by Director/Deputy Commissioner. Ensures clear demarcation under state oversight. 7 Governor declares cessation of municipal areas; providing for vesting of assets/rights of local body with Government. 9 Governor issues proclamations for constitution/abolition of small or urban areas; based on the objections submitted through Director of Municipal Administration. 13 Government notifies wards, seats, reservations for municipal elections. Controls electoral delimitation and representation structure. 38 Government supervises election processes (pre-SEC amendments). Retains supervisory role in conduct and validity. 61 Permits certain government officers to attend municipal council meetings. Enables state monitoring of deliberations. 89 Government exempts councils from obligatory/special functions. Allows waiver of duties. 98 Government suspends/reduces/abolishes existing municipal taxes. Provides fiscal intervention. 102 Government sets market value guidelines/depreciation - 137 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS for property tax assessments. Standardizes valuation parameters. 102A Government mandates earlier property tax revisions beyond 3-year cycle. Overrides standard timelines for updates. 107A Government orders property surveys and registers. Directs data collection for taxation. 140 Government suspends/prohibits objectionable taxes/fees; can rescind later. 141 Government requires imposition of specific taxes via notification. 158-159 Government sanctions improvement schemes; notifies land acquisitions. 189 Government prohibits building erection in specified areas. Controls urban development restrictions. 249 Government outlines municipal council duties during infectious disease outbreaks. 253 Government confers special powers for overcrowded notified areas. Enhances response to density issues. 293 Government directs submission of audit reports to designated officers/bodies. 300 Requires municipal councils to transmit annual accounts to Government. 302 Mandates municipal councils to submit annual administration report. - 138 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 303 Government appoints Chief Controlling Authority like Director of Municipal Administration 304-305 Director conducts inspections/supervision of councils/offices. 306 Deputy Commissioner decides on the validity of the council orders. 310 Government inquires into complaints against municipal affairs as needed. 311 Director curbs excessive staffing 312 Government mandates Health Officer appointment; can veto selections. 313 Government executes default dues; recovers costs from council funds. 314 Government instructs fund custodians to prioritize state dues. 315 Government appoints administrators during election failures/resignations. 316 Government dissolves councils for defaults of performance of duties/abuse; 317 Government adjudicates inter-municipal disputes. 319 Government repeals/modifies council bye-laws by notification. 320 Government transfers officers/servants; issues service directions. 321 Government delegates powers to Director/DC/others. - 139 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 322 Director has power of revision to examine any orders and proceedings of the municipality. 323 Government frames rules for Act implementation including taxes/audits. 325 Government creates/adopts model bye-laws for councils. 327- 328,331 Government appoints Chief Officer, Health Officer, Municipal Commissioner. Fills key administrative posts. 353 Government extends Act to transitional areas. 364H Government extends Act to Industrial Townships. 364M Government issues binding directions to Industrial Township Authority. 364N Government appoints Industrial Township Administrators. 388A Gov exercises overall direction/control through Directorate of Municipal Administration. 33. The Section 389 is primarily procedural and the substantive power to appoint the Administrator is found in Section 315 of Act, 1964 and considering the overall power of superintendence of the Government over the local body, there cannot be any difficulty in holding that Section 315 does enable the Government to appoint an Administrator in - 140 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS a situation where the municipal council is not functioning. Thus, Section 389 can be interpreted to hold that the overall power of superintendence which is with the Government enables the Government to appoint Administrator by invoking Section 315 read with Section 389 Act, 1964 to achieve the object of Article 243(U)(1) of Constitution of India. 34. This interpretation is permissible keeping in mind the larger good as against the claim of few Councillors whose tenure has come to an end by efflux of time prescribed. 35. At any rate, the petitioners having completed 5 years, do not have a locus to challenge the order appointing the Administrator to contend that the Administrator cannot be appointed. Assuming that the petition is filed by person who is not an Administrator and it is filed by a voter/resident of the local body, then also such voter/resident of the local body cannot urge to extend the - 141 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS tenure of the petitioners beyond 5 years. Hypothetically, if one is to contend that there is no provision under the Act or the Constitution to appoint the Administrator in a situation contemplated under these provisions, the question that remains to be answered is who has to take care of the Municipal Administration when the councillors cannot act in view of the mandate under Article 243(U)(1) of Constitution of India. In such a situation, it has to be the elected Government in the State and if the decision is taken by such elected Government through the executive or assuming that such decision is taken by the executive and if the Government does not question the said decision, the Court has to hold that the Government has approved the said decision. 36. The Constitutional ethos cannot be trampled to accommodate the petitioners’ prayer to continue as councillors despite expiry of the tenure. - 142 - HC-KAR NC: 2025:KHC-D:17321 WP No. 107806 of 2025 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 37. For the aforementioned reasons, the Court is of the view that the petitioners are not entitled to any relief assailing order appointing Administrator or the order to restrain the State from appointing the Administrator. 38. Since the petitioners in the alternative have sought direction to hold election, the respondent-State and State Election Commission shall take necessary steps to hold election to the Municipal Councils expeditiously. 39. Accordingly, these petitions are disposed of. Sd/- (ANANT RAMANATH HEGDE) JUDGE CHS CT-MCK LIST NO.: 1 SL NO.: 139