The Udupi district unit of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) on Thursday demanded the immediate suspension of Mary Mathias, chairperson of Land Tribunal in Kundapur .
DSS district unit convenor Jayan Malpe told presspersons here on Thursday that Ms. Mathias was facing an enquiry for allotting land illegally, when she was working as special tahsildar at Brahmavar.
As special tahsildar, Ms. Mathias had illegally de-notified 20 acres of land reserved for Dalits at Kokkarne hamlet in Shiroor village in 2004. Following strong objection, an enquiry was launched into the issue. However, the enquiry had not been completed.
Ms. Mathias had been promoted as chairperson of the land tribunal in Kundapur about a year ago. This promotion was illegal, he said.
Mr. Malpe alleged that even as chairperson of land tribunal Ms. Mathias had been taking unilateral decisions, indulging in nepotism and holding sittings of the land tribunal without the required quorum.
Denial
Speaking to The Hindu , Ms. Mathias denied the charge. She said that she had been promoted as chairperson of the Land Tribunal by the Government based on her seniority and her track record.
