The Karnataka High Court on Monday ordered issue of notice to the State government on a PIL petition, which has questioned the legality of a provision in the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act that empowers councillors of city corporations with ‘veto’ power in the proceedings of ward committees.
A Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice B.V. Nagarathna passed the order on the petition filed by one Muralidhar G. Rao, a resident of Koramangala.
‘Scope for overruling’
Counsel for the petitioner contended that Section 13H(7) gives ‘veto’ power to the councillor as the chairperson of the respective ward committees and thus gives ample scope for overruling even decisions taken by the majority in the 11-member ward committees. The provision is also clear that the decision of the chairperson of the ward committee would be final, the counsel pointed out.
Section 13H(7) states that the decisions of the ward committee shall normally be taken by the majority of the nominated members of the ward committee provided that the chairperson may exercise a ‘veto’ over any decision by giving reasons in writing.
