BHAGWAN SHANKAR BHALERAO Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The above three Writ Petitions pertain to the reconstitution of the Standing Committee and election of a Chairman to the Standing Committee of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation ("the Corporation"). The Petitioners in each of the three Petitions are elected Councillors of the Corporation and either present or former members of the Standing Committee. Although the reliefs sought in Writ Petition (St) No. 10544 of 2021 are diferent from the reliefs sought in Writ Petition (St) No. 10801 of 2021 and Writ Petition (St) No. 10828 of 2021, they arise out of common set of facts and have a direct bearing on each other and raise common questions of law. In view thereof, we considered it desirable to hear all these Petitions together.

(2.) By consent of parties, these Writ Petitions were heard fnally at the admission stage and are being disposed of by this common Order.

(3.) Writ Petition (St) No.10801 of 2021 has been fled by Shri Bhagwan Bhalerao ("Shri Bhalerao"), who is an elected Councilor of the Corporation. Shri Bhalerao was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Corporation w.e.f. 1st April, 2021, pursuant to a resolution dated 22 nd March, 2021 passed by the Corporation at its general body meeting. Respondent No.1 is the State of Maharashtra through its Under Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra ("State Government"). Respondent No.2 is the Divisional Commissioner, Navi Mumbai ("the Divisional Commissioner"). Respondent No.3 is the Collector, Thane ("the Collector"). Respondent No.4 is Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation through its Commissioner. Respondent No.5 is Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation through its Secretary ("Municipal Secretary").