G PRAKASH Vs. DIRECTOR MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION BANGALORE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this writ petition, petitioner is challenging the order dated 06.08.2009 passed by the Deputy Commissioner, Chitradurga, vide Annexure-K and the order dated 18.01.2010 passed in appeal by the Director, Municipal Administration, Bangalore, vide Annexure-N.

(2.) Facts, stated in brief, relevant for the purpose of the case are that the petitioner herein was a member of the Town Panchayat, Molakalmuru in Chitradurga District. He was serving as Vice President of the Town Panchayat. One T. Chandranna - respondent No. 3 herein, who is also a member of the Town Panchayat, Molakalmuru, filed a complaint before the Deputy Commissioner alleging that the petitioner, by using his position as a Vice President of the Town Panchayat and for his personal gain, had published an advertisement in a weekly newspaper 'Prakash Voice' owned by the petitioner and had thus incurred disqualification to continue as a Councilor.

(3.) Based on the complaint made, the Deputy Commissioner issued a show cause notice dated 06.08.2008 calling upon the petitioner to submit his explanation. On 18.08.2008, petitioner submitted his explanation denying that he was the owner of the newspaper and that he had committed any such irregularity. He further contended that the ownership of the newspaper was transferred in favour of one T. Manjunath as back as on 17.02.2008.