PRAFULLA VINODJI GUDADHE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Writ Petition is to be decided finally at admission stage, and accordingly it appears that the same was being fixed at 2-30 p.m., by earlier Benches. It also appears that it was heard finally, but orders could not be passed.

(2.) Controversy pertains to Office of Leader of Opposition in Nagpur Municipal Corporation, and considering the nature of controversy, this Court has on 18th September, 2008 directed parties to maintain status quo.

(3.) It is not in dispute that present petitioner as also respondent No. 6 have been elected as Ward Members/Corporators in general elections of Nagpur Municipal Corporation held in February, 2007. In March, 2007, two political factions came together and formed a Municipal Party by name Secular Democratic Front. The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee authorized Shri Sandeep Sahare to get the said Front registered as per the provisions of the Maharashtra Local Authority Members Disqualification Act, 1986, and accordingly the said Front was registered initially with 38 Corporators. It is not in dispute that at present, and even at the relevant time, the said strength was reduced to 35.