PRAKASH DEVU GAONKAR Vs. STATE OF GOA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Nigel da Costa Frias with Ms. A. Barbara, learned counsel for the Petitioner, Mr. D. Pangam, learned Advocate General with Ms. A. Kamat, learned Additional Government Advocate for respondents no.1 and 2, and Mr. S. Karpe with Mr. A. Sawant learned counsel for respondent no.3 - State Election Commission.

(2.) The challenge in this petition is to the notification dated 15.03.2021 issued by the Director and Ex-Officio Additional Secretary (Municipal Administration/Urban Development) insofar as it concerns the Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC). The impugned notification has been issued by the Director in the exercise of powers conferred upon him under Sections 9 and 10 of the Goa Municipality Act, 1968 (said Act).

(3.) The petitioner has pleaded that he is a resident of Ward no.10, the SMC area, and belongs to the ST Gawda community. He has pleaded that he intends to contest the ensuing elections from Ward No.10 since, he had contested and won the elections held in the year 2015, from this very ward.