WP50161-13-18-11-2013.Pdf

- 1 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BANGALORE

DATED THIS THE 18 TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2013

BEFORE

THE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE H.G.RAMESH

WRIT PETITION NOS.50161 & 50210-50242/2013 (LB-ELE) R C/W WRIT PETITION NOS.50753-50778/2013 (LB-RES) 50939-50965/2013 (LB-RES) & 51324-51357/2013 (LB-ELE) IN W.P.50161 & 50210-50242/2013 BETWEEN:

1. SRI ASHOKAN.K S/O S KANNAN AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS R/AT NO.174, BHARATHI NAGAR HUNUSAMARANAHALLI POST BANGALORE NORTH- 562 157

2. SRI MAREGOWDA S/O LATE MUNIYAPPA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS R/AT NO.48, KOKALU POST HESARAGHATTA HOBLI BANGALROE NORTH TALUK BANGALORE – 560 089

3. SMT. VANISHREE VISHWANATH W/O S.R.VISHWANATH AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS R/AT SINGANAYAKANAHALLI SINGANAYAKANAHALLI (POST) YELAHANKA HOBLI BANGALORE – 560 064

4. SMT BHARATHI W/O VENKATESH AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS - 2 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

R/AT LINGANAHALLI HESARAGHATTA HOBLI SHIVAKOTE POST BANGALORE NORTH TALUK BANGALORE – 560 089

5. SRI S.PRABHAKAR S/O G.R.SIDDAPPA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS R/AT GONIGHATTAPURA NERIGA POST SARJAPURA HOBLI ANEKAL TALUK BANGALORE URBAN – 562 125

6. SRI BABU V S/O VENKATAPPA AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS R/AT CHANNAKESHAVANAGAR (HOSA ROAD) NEW MICO ROAD ELECTRONIC CITY (POST) BANGALORE – 560 100

7. SRI C.MARIYAPPA S/O LATE CHIKKAMUNIYAPPA AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS R/AT NO.96, RAMESHWARA NILAYA AVALAHALLI, BIDARAHALLI HOBLI VIRGONAGAR POST BANGALORE EAST TALUK BANGALORE – 560 029

8. SMT. JHINNU BHAI W/O NAGARAJU AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS R/AT NO.1, MANGANAHALLI SOOLIKERE POST BANGALORE NORTH TALUK BANGALORE -560 060

9. SRI CHIKKAMUNIYAPPA S/O LATE MUNICHIKKAPPA AGED ABOUT 57 YEARS R/AT KITHIGANUR LAYOUT NEAR GASPOL CHURCH K.R.PURAM POST, BANGALORE – 560 036 - 3 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

10. SRI NARAYANAPPA. J S/O LATE JOGAPPA AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS MUTHUR (Vi), THAMMANAKANAHALLI POST ANEKAL TALUK – 562 106 BANGALORE DISTRICT

11. SMT. INDRAMMA NAGARAJ W/O NAGARAJ, V.MANCHANAHALLI KALLABALU (POST), JIGANI (HOBALI) ANEKAL (TQ) BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT – 560 105

12. SMT. GIRIJA PRASHANTH W/O PRASHANTH, AGED ABOUT 29 YEARS JIGANI BUS STOP, ANEKAL TALUK BANGALORE – 560 105

13. SRI M.RATHNAMMA S R RAMULU W/O Y SRIRAMULU AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS NO.891, M.G.ROAD SARJAPURA, ANEKAL TALUK BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT PIN CODE – 562 125

14. SRI DANE GOWDA S/O LATE HEMMANNA AGED ABOUT 56 YEARS R/AT SATHNUR VILLAGE BAGALUR POST BANGALROE NORTH – 562 149

15. SMT SHUBA NARASIMHA MURTHY W/O B.N.NARASIMHA MURTHY AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS R/AT NO.6, BYNAHALLI JALA (HOBLI) CHIKKAJALA (POST) BANGALORE (NORTH TALUK) BANGALORE – 562 157

16. SRI K.C.RAMACHANDRA S/O CHIKKAMUNIYAPPA AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS R/AT KYALASANAHALLI - 4 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

HULIMANGALA (POST) ANEKAL (TALUK) BANGALORE URBAN (DISTRICT)

17. SRI K GOPAL KRISHNA S/O A KEMPANNA AGED ABOUT 57 YEARS R/AT YEDDALAPPA STREET ATTIBELE, ANEKAL TALUK BANGALROE URBAN (DISTRICT)

18. SRI B CHANDRAPPA S/O LATE KEMPAIAH AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS R/AT BYLAPANAPALYA MADAVARA POST DASANAPURA HOBLI BANGALORE NORTH – 562 123

19. SRI V.G.JAYARAMAIAH S/O LATE GANGAPPA AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS R/AT NO.1, VADERAHALLY MATHAHALLY (POST) DASANAPURA (HOBLI) BANGALORE NORTH – 562 123

20. SMT. ARUNA M NARAYANASWAMY W/O NARAYANASWAMY N AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS R/AT NO.112, BALLUR VILALGE ATTIBELE POST, ATTIBELE HOBLI ANEKAL TALUK BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT

21. SRI D. HANUMANTHAIAH S/O LATE C.K.DODDAIAH AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS CHOLANAYAKANAHALLY CHAMARAJANAGARA POST BANGALORE SOUTH TALUK – 562 120 BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT

22. SRI A SHIVAKUMAR S/O ANJANAPPA AGD ABOUT 47 YEARS - 5 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

R/AT KAGGALIPURA KANAKAPURA ROAD BANGALORE – 560 082

23. SMT. SARVAMANGALA W/O B.KRISHNAPPA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS R/AT KUMBALAGOD BELLIGHATTA, KUMBALAGOD POST KENGERI HOBLI BANGALORE SOUTH TALUK BANGALORE – 560 060

24. SMT. JALAJAKSHAMMA W/O SIDDAGANGAIAH AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS R/AT LAKSHMIPURA VILLAGE AND POST DASANAPURA HOBLI BANGALROE NORTH TALUK BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT BANGALORE – 562 123

25. SRI T.G.ANNPURNA KRISHNAMURTHY W/O R.KRISHNAMURTHY AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS R/AT THAVAREKERE BANGALORE SOUTH TALUK BANGALORE URBAN DISTRICT BANGALORE – 562 130

26. SMT SHANTHAMMA W/O YELLAREDDY S AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS R/AT YADAVANAHALLI ATTIBELE HOBLI ANEKAL TALUK BANGALORE – 562 107

27. SMT. G MANJULA W/O N SHANKAR AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS R/AT DODDAHAGAPPE VILLAGE CD HOSAKOTE POST ANEKAL TALUK – 562 106 BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT

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28. SMT. SHYLAJA W/O SURESH REDDY AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS R/AT NO.41, LAKSHMISAGAR NERALOORU POST, ANEKAL TALUK BANGALROE – 562 107

29. SMT. N. ROOPA W/O PRABHAKAR AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS GOLLAHALLI, ELECTRONIC CITY POST ANEKAL TALUK – 560 100 BANGALROE URBANDISTRICT

30. SMT. VINITHA W/O K. VENKATASWAMY AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS R/AT RAYASANDRA VILLAGE HUSKUR POST ANEKAL TALUK – 562 123 BANGALROE URBAN DISTRICT

31. SRI JAYARAMA S/O NARAYANASINGH AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS R/AT VENKATESHWARA DENTAL COLLEGE NEAR NESARA NILAYA BANNERGHATTA POST ANEKAL TALUK BANGALROE SOUTH BANGALORE – 560 082

32. SMT. MANJULA G ASHWATH NAYAK W/O G. ASHWATH NAYAK AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS R/A SALUDODDI VILLAGE TATAGUNI POST KANAKAPURA ROAD KENGERI HOBLI BANGALORE – 560 062

33. SMT. SHOBHA DEVI W/O G RAMESH AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS R/A DODDA GUBBI VILLAGE AND POST BIDARAHALLI HOBLI - 7 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

BANGALORE EAST BANGALROE – 560 067

34. SMT JAYAMMA W/O CHIKKABYLAPPA AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS R/A LAKSHMIPURA VILLAGE VIDYARANYAPURA POST YESHWANTHAPURA HOBLI BANGALORE NORTH TALUK BANGALORE – 560 091 ... PETITIONERS

(BY SRI D.N.NANJUNDA REDDY, SR. ADVOCATE FOR SRI A.V.NISHANTH, ADVOCATE)

AND:

1. STATE OF KARNATAKA DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYAT RAJ M.S.BUILDINGS, BANGALORE – 560 001 REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY

2. STATE ELECTION COMMISSION KSCMF BUILDING, ANNEX #8, CUNNINGHAM ROAD BANGALORE – 560 008 REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY

3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER BANGALORE REGION 2ND FLOOR, BMTC COMPLEX K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR BANGALORE – 560 027

4. BANGALORE URBAN ZILLA PANCHAYAT S. KARIYAPPA ROAD BANASHANKARI BANGALORE – 560 070 REPRESENTED BY ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ... RESPONDENTS

(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL A/W SRI D. NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3; SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)

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WPs ARE FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DECLARE THAT THE SUB RULE 2 OF RULE 4 OF THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ (DECLARATION OF ASSETS BY ELECTED MEMBERS OF TQ., & ZILLA PANCHAYATS) RULES, 2010 AS ILLEGAL AND CONTRARY TO SEC. 175-A OF THE KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ ACT, 1993, SINCE THE SUB-RULE TRAVELS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF SUBSTANTIVE PROVISION AND ETC.,

IN W.P. NOs. 50753-50778/2013 BETWEEN:

1. SRI H.T.NAGAREDDY S/O H. THIMMAPPA AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER RAMPURA CONSTITUENCY JAHAGIR BUDDENAHALLI VILLAGE & POST MOLAKALMUR TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

2. SMT. NARASAMMA W/O N.B.GOVINDAPPA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER HONAGAL CONSTITUENCY NAGASANDRA POST, MOLAKALMUR TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

3. SRI R.HANUMANTHAPP S/O RAMAIAH AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER BHOKIKERE POST SIDDARAMANAGARA, HOSADURGA TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT – 577 501

4. SRI C MAHALINGAPPA S/O CHITTAPPA YANE BHADRAPPA AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER HOSAYALANADU CONSTITUENCY GUDDADHAGOLLARA HATTI KODIHALLI POST, HIRIYUR TALUK - 9 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

5. SRI D RAMESH S/O R DASAPPA AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER DODDASIDDAVANAHALLI CONSTITUENCY V.PALYA POST, HIREGUNTANOOR HOBLI CHITRADURGA DISTRICT – 577 501

6. SMT. K KAVITH MAHESH W/O V.MAHESH AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER NANNIVALA CONSTITUENCY PAGADALABANDE, PARASARAMPUR HOBLI CHELLAKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA - 577 501

7. SMT C.LAKSHMI MOUNESH W/O K.C.MOUNESH AGED ABOUT 29 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMGR BARAMASAGARA CONSTITUENCY MASJID ROAD BARAMASAGARA POST CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

8. SMT. LALITHAMMA BASAVANTHAPPA W/O BASAVANTHAPPA AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER SIRIGERE CONSTITUENCY SIRIGERE POST CHITRADURAGA TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT – 577 501

9. SMT SANNA THIMMAKKA W/O RANGASWAMY AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER PARASHURAMPURA CONSTITUENCY PARASHURAMPURA HOBLI - 10 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

CHELLAKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

10. SRI J.T. BABUREDDY S/O J.B.THIPPAREDDY AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER THIRUVANOOR CONSTITUENCY KADABENA KATTE, THIRUVANOOR HOBLI CHITRADURGA TALUK & DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

11. SRI K. DHYAMANNA S/O KENCHAPPA AGED ABOUT 35 YEARS ZILLA PANHAYATH MEMBER IMANGALA CONSTITUENCY KOVERAHATTI, BHRUJANAROPA POST HIRIUR TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT – 577 501

12. SRI M LAKSHMAN S/O YOGI MANJAPPA AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER MADATHAKERE CONSTITUENCY DODDAGHATTA POST HOSADURGA TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

13. SRI GIRI M JANAKAL S/O J.S.MANJUNATH AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER HIREGUNTANOOR COSTITUENCY B.DURGA ROAD, BEEMASAMUDRA CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

14. SMT. KENCHAMMA W/O NINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER GUDDATHARANGAVANAHALLI CONSTITUENCY - 11 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

VAJJANAHALLI, RAYANAHALLI POST CHITRADURGA DISTRICT – 577 501

15. SMT. R VIJAYAMMA M JAYANNA W/O M.JAYANNA AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER MANIVILASPURA CONSTITUENCY PILLAJANAHALLI, YALLADAKERE POST HIRIYUR TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

16. SRI T RAVIKUMAR S/O T.S.THIMMANNA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER DODDA ULLARTHEE CONSTITUENCY CHITRANAYAKANAHALLI, THALAK HOBLI CHALLEKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

17. SMT. SUJATHA W/O THIPPEWAMY AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER LAKSHMISAGARA CONSTITUENCY LAKSHMISAGARA POST HIREGUNTANOOR HOBLI CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

18. SMT. LAKSHMI DEVI W/O T.D.DODDAIAH AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER HIREHALLI CINSTITUENCY HIREHALLI POST, CHALLAKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

19. SRI G.P. JAYAPALAIAH S/O P PALAIAH AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER - 12 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

HIREHALLI CONSTITUENCY KALUVEHALLI, TALAK HOBLI CHELLAKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

20. SMT. R.BHAGYA LAKSHMI W/O J.THIPPESWAMY AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER TALAKU CONSTITUENCY KODIHALLI POST, TALAK HOBLI CHELLAKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

21. SRI P. R. SHIVAKUMAR S/O RAMESH AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER THALYA CONSTITUENCY SHIVAPURA POST, HOLALKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

22. SMT. MARAKKA W/O D.B.OBAIAH AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER BOMMAKONDANAKERE CONSTITUENCY CHIKKOBANAHALLI POST MOLAKALMUR TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

23. SRI A ANIL KUMAR S/O H. ANJENEYA AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBR DODDERI CONSTITUENCY 2ND MAIN, 3 RD CROSS RAMENAHALLI, THALYA HOBLI HOLELAKERE TALUK CHITRADURGA – 577 501

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24. SRI D PARASURAMAPPA S/O DASAPPA AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER MATHOD CONSTITUENCY KANCHIPURA POST, HOSADURGA TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

25. SMT. ANITHA BASAVARAJU W/O H.BASAVARAJU AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYATH MEMBER BOKIKERE CONSTITUENCY KAREHALLI, MATHODU HOBLI HOSADURGA TALUK CHITRADURGA DISTRICT CHITRADURGA – 577 501

26. SMT. B. GEETHA W/O BASAVARJU AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS ZILLA PANCHAYAT MEMBER SRIRAMPURAM CONSTITUENCY GAVIRANGAPURA, BOMMANAPALYA HOSDURGA –TALUK CHITRADURGA –DISTRICT – 577 501 ... PETITIONERS

(BY SRI A NAGARAJAPPA, ADVOCATE FOR M/S MANJU AND MANJU ASSOCIATES)

AND:

1. STATE OF KARNATAKA THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYAT RAJ, BANGALORE BY ITS SECRETARY M.S.BUILDING BANGALORE

2. THE COMMISSIONER STATE ELECTION COMMISSION NO.8, CUNNINGHAM ROAD BANGALORE – 560 052

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3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER BANGALROE DIVISION 2ND FLOOR, BMTC BUILDING K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR BANGALORE – 560 027 ... RESPONDENTS

(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL A/W SRI D NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3; SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)

WPs ARE FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DECLARE THAT THE RULES IN KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ (TALUK PANCHAYATH & ZILLA PANCHAYATH ELECTED MEMBERS DECLARATION OF ASSETS) RULES 2010 IS ULTRAVIRES, UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND LIABLE TO BE STRUCK DOWN AS THE SAME IS CONTRARY TO SECTION136(A) AND 175(A) OF KARNATAKA PANCHAYATH RAJ ACT 1993 AND 73 RD AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA.

IN W.P.NOs.50939-65/2013 BETWEEN:

1. DR. RAVI B.N S/O D. NAGARAJAIAH AGED ABOUT 40 YEARS AMRUTHUR Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O AMRUTHUR, NO.MIG 20 KHB COLONY, KUNIGAL TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

2. SRI B.K.BADEERANNA S/O KHADRAPPA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS TAVAREKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O TAVAREKERE BEVENAHALLI –POST GOWDAGERE HOBLI, SIRA TALUFK TUMKUR DISTRICT

3. SRI C.R. UMESH S/O C.J.RAJANNA AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS NADOORU Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/AT “SIDDESHWAR NILAYA” - 15 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

VIJAYANAGAR TUMKUR – 572 103

4. SRI R.C.ANJANAPPA S/O CHIKKANNA AGED ABOUT 53 YEARS VENKATAPURA Z.P. CONTITUENCY R/O VENKATAPURA RAJAVANTHI –POST PAVAGADA – TALUK, TUMKUR – DISTRICT

5. SRI KENCHAMARAIAH H S/O LATE HANUMANTHAPPA AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS MIDIGESHI Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/AT “BALARAVI”, MARUTHI NAGARA SHETTIHALLI MAIN ROAD PARK ROAD, TUMKUR – 02

6. SRI AREHALLI RAMESH S/O B.K.RANGANATH AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS CHIKKANAHALLI Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/OF AREHALLI –VILLAGE RATHNASANDRA –POST TUMKUR- DISTRICT

7. SRI D. UGRAIAH S/O DASAPPA AGED ABOUT 57 YEARS BANASANDRA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O SADARAHALLI GOLLARAHATTI ALUBOOR POST TUMKUR –TALUK TUMKUR –DISTRICT

8. SMT. G.T.LATHA KONDDAJJI VISHWANATHA W/O KONDDAJJI VISHWANATHA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS MUNIYUR Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O KONDAJJI VILLAGE TUMKUR-TALUK TUMKUR – DISTRICT

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9. SMT. MANGALA GOURAMMA W/O LAKKANNA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS DANDINASGUVARA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O TOVINAKERE DOMBRANAHALLI –POST TUMKUR TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

10. SRI SRINIVASAIAH S/O GANGANNA AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS MAYASANDRA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O MURALIKUPPE SEEGEHALLI POST MAYASANDRA HOBLI TUMKUR TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

11. SMT. PREMA MAHALINGAPPA W/O MAHLINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS KOLALA (Z.P.CONSTITUENCY) R/O NO.3/65, MATHRUSHREE NOLAYA KALIDAS LAYOUT, KORATAGERE TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

12. SMT. DAKSHAYANI W/O RAJANNA AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS HOLAVANAHALLI (Z.P.CONSTITUENCY) R/O MANDARA NILAYA NEAR TALUK PANCHAYAT OFFICE KORATAGERE TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

13. SMT. MAMATA W/O SHIVALINGAIAH AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS HAGALAVADI Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O LAKSHMINARASIMHA NILAYA BEHIND DHANALAKSHMI BANK 4TH CROSS, VALMIKI NAGARA TUMKUR – 02

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14. SMT. T.R.GOWRAMMA W/O LATE KENDE GOWDA AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS GUBBI RURAL Z.P.CONSTITUENCY C/O VENKATESH (VENKATASHWARE TEMPLE) R/O JAYANAGARA WEST MATHURSHREE NILAYA, 4 TH CROSS TUMKUR – 02

15. SRI T.H. KRISHNAPPA S/O HULLURAIAH AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS C.S.PURA Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O BHEEMASANDRA, S.S.M.C POST TUMKUR – 02

16. SMT. N.G.MANJULA W/O N.B.GAVIRANGAIAH AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS HULIYARU Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O HULIYARU CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

17. SRI LOHITA BAI W/O RANGASWAMY AGED ABOUT 38 YEARS KANDIKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O SINGADAHALLI BARASIDLAHALLI (P) CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI (TQ) TUMKUR (DISTRICT)

18. SMT. K.S.NALINI W/O GOVINDAPPA G.H AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS MANGALAWADA, Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O GUJJANADU –VILLAGE PAVAGADA – TALUK TUMKUR – DISTRICT

19. SMT. NINGAMMA W/O Y.K.RAMAIAH AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS HOYSALAKATTE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O YARAHALLI DODDANAHATTI VILLAGE - 18 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

BARKAHALU (P) CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI (TQ) TUMKUR (DISTRICT)

20. SMT. RADHA NARAYANA GOWDA W/O NARAYANA GOWDA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS NONAVINAKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O MAKANAHALLI NANAVINAKERE HOBLI TIPTUR TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

21. SRI M. NAGARAJ S/O MARIYAPPA AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS HUCHHA GONDANAHALLI Z.P.CONSTITUENCY MANIKEEKERE KALLAKERE POST TIPTUR TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

22. SRI A.B. JAGADEESH S/O BORAIAH AGED ABOUT 57 YERS DHABBE GHATTA Z.P.CONSTITUENCY AREMALLENAHALLI VILLAGE AND POST TUMKUR TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

23. SRI ANAND RAVI N.R S/O RAMAIAH AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS KIBBANAHALLI, Z.P. CONSTITUENCY KODIHALLI, NONAVINAKERE HOBLI TIPTUR TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

24. SMT. NAGAMANI W/O M.K.NARAYANAPPA AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS NAGALAMADIKE, Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/O MEENUKUNTANAHALLI VILLAGE NEELAMMANAHALLI POST, PAVAGADA (T) TUMKUR (DISTRICT)

- 19 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

25. SRI H.B.PANCHAKSHARI S/O H.B.BASAPPA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS R/O HULIYAR J.C.PURA POST, CHIKKANAYAKANAHALLI TALUK TUMKUR DISTRICT

26. SMT. JAYAMMA, W/O S.T.NAGARAJU AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS Y.N.HOSAKOTE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/OF Y.N.HOSAKOTE, PAVAGADA TALUK TUMKUR-DISTRICT

27. SRI H.S.RAVISHANKAR S/O K.N.SHIVALINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS OORUKERE Z.P. CONSTITUENCY R/OF OORUKERE TUMKUR TALUK & DISTRICT ... PETITIONERS

(BY SRI A NAGARAJAPPA, ADVOCATE FOR R. MANJULADEVI & SRI A RAMANJANAPPA, ADVOCATES)

AND:

1. STATE OF KARNATAKA THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYAT RAJ, BANGALORE BY ITS SECRETARY, M.S.BUILDING BANGALORE

2. THE COMMISSIONER STATE ELECTION COMMISSION NO.8, CUNNINGHAM ROAD BANGALORE – 560 052

3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER BANGALROE DIVISION, 2 ND FLOOR, BMTC BUILDING K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR BANGALORE – 560 027 ... RESPONDENTS

(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL A/W SRI D NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3; SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)

- 20 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

IN W.P. NOs.51324-57/2013 BETWEEN:

1. SRI ESHWARAPPA TELAGI R S/O MARULASIDDAPPA R AGED ABOUT 63 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

2. SMT. MEENAKSHMI BAI W/O KRISHNA NAIK AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LIKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

3. SMT. SHARADAMMA A.K W/O LAKSHMANA AGED ABOUT 51 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

4. SRI K.P.PALAIAH S/O KASTHURI PALAIAH AGED ABOUT 46 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

- 21 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

5. SMT. NETHRAVATHI KRISHNAMURTHY W/O KRISHNAMURTHY AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

6. SRI MALLEKATTE CHIDANANDA IGOOR AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS, S/O HANUMANTHAPPA MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

7. SMT. JAYALAKSHMI W/O MAHESH AGED ABOUT 43 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

8. SMT. KAVITHA RAMAGIRI R W/O BASAVARAJ B.K AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

9. SMT. MANJULA SHEKARAPPA G W/O WHEKARAPPLA AGED ABOUT 31 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

10. SMT. LAKSHMI MANJAPPA H.B W/O MANJAPPA H.B AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA, DAVANAGERE - 22 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

11. SRI B. KARIBASAPPA S/O B BASAPPA AGED ABOUT 47 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

12. SRI BENNEHALLI HALESH S/O SIDDALINGAPPA AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

13. SMT. SHARADAMMA UMESH NAIK W/O UMESH NAIK AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD, OPPOSTIE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

14. SRI K.H.GURUMURTHY S/O HALAPAIAH AGED ABOUT 66 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

15. SRI M.T. BASAVANA GOWDA S/O THOTANA GOWDA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

16. SMT SHEELA GADDIGESH C.S W/O H.A. GADDIGESH AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE - 23 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

17. SMT. SUDHA VEERENDRA PATIL D.M W/O VEERENDRA PATIL AGED ABOUT 41 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

18. SMT. AMBIKA RAJAPPA D.R W/O D.G.RAJAPPA AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

19. SMT. HANNI UMLIBAI W/O LAKSHMANA NAIK AGED ABOUT 48 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

20. SRI NAGENDRAPPA. M S/O NAGAPPA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

21. SMT. YASHODAMMA HALESHAPPA S/O HALESHAPPA AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

22. SRI SHIVARAM NAIK, S/O GOPALA NAIK AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE - 24 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

23. SMT. PREMA LOKESHAPPA G.R W/O LIKESHAPPA AGED ABOUT 49 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

24. SRI S.M. VEERESH HANAGAVADI S/OMALLIKARJUNAPPA AGED ABOUT 39 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

25. SRI C.N.VEERABADRAPPA S/O NAGAPPA ADAPURA AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

26. SMT. LATHA TEJASVI PATIL W/O TEJASVI PATIL AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

27. SRI H. NAGARAJA AGED ABOUT 50 YEARS S/O KALLAPPA MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

28. SMT. USHA ASHOK S W/O ASHOK S.S AGED AOBUT 29 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD - 25 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

29. SRI K.G.VASAVALINGAPPA S/O SHANKARAPPA AGED ABOUT 64 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

30. SRI H. V.RUDRAPPA S/O VEERAPPA AGED ABOUT 55 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

31. SMT. PREMA SIDDESH W/O SIDDESH AGED ABOUT 30 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

32. SRI MUKUNDA T S/O BASAPPA AGED ABOUT 45 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

33. SMT. SARVATH FATHIMA W/O MAHIBUBULLAKHAN AGED ABOUT 60 YEARS MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE

34. SMT. SAHANA RAVI W/O RAVI AGED ABOUT 34 YEARS - 26 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

MEMBER OF ZILLA PANCHAYATH DAVANAGERE LOKIKERE ROAD OPPOSITE TO DOORDARSHAN KENDRA DAVANAGERE ... PETITIONERS

(BY SRI VIJAYA RAGHAVA SARATHY, ADVOCATE)

AND:

1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYAT RAJ DEPARTMENT M.S.BUILDING BANGALORE – 560 001

2. THE KARNATAKA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION REPRESENTED BY ITS CAHIRMEN CUNNINGHAM ROAD BANGALORE – 560 001

3. THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER BANGALORE DIVISION, 2 ND FLOOR, BMTC BUILDING K.H.ROAD, SHANTHINAGAR BANGALORE – 560 027 ... RESPONDENTS

(BY SRI RAVIVERMA KUMAR, ADVOCATE GENERAL A/W SRI D NAGARAJ, AGA FOR R1 & R3; SRI K.N.PHANINDRA, ADVOCATE FOR R2)

- 27 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

WPs COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING THIS DAY, THE COURT MADE THE FOLLOWING:

O R D E R

H.G.RAMESH, J. (Oral):

Validity of sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Karnataka

Panchayat Raj (Declaration of Assets by Elected Members of

Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats ) Rules, 2010 arises for determination in these writ petitions.

In my opinion, the above sub-rule is ultra vires of sub-Section (4) of Section 175-A of the Karnataka Panchayat

Raj Act, 1993.

2. In these writ petitions, the petitioners, who are members of Zilla Panchayats of various Districts, are challenging the validity of sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the

Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Declaration of Assets by Elected

Members of Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats ) Rules,

2010 (‘ the Rules’ for short ) on the ground that it is contrary to sub-Section (4) of Section 175-A of the Karnataka

Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 (‘the Act’ for short) and hence is ultra vires the Act . The petitioners have also challenged the communication dated 30.10.2013 of the Regional - 28 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

Commissioner , Bangalore Division, Bangalore, wherein he has referred the matter to the State Election Commission for adjudication as per sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules by stating that the petitioners have ceased to be members of the respective Zilla Panchayats either for not declaring their

Assets or for not filing their declaration of Assets within the prescribed period.

3. I have heard the learned Advocate General and the learned counsel appearing for the parties and perused the impugned communication dated 30.10.2013.

4. Sri D.N.Nanjunda Reddy, learned Senior Counsel appearing for some of the petitioners submitted that sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules whereunder the Regional

Commissioner has exercised the power to refer the matter for adjudication to the State Election Commission is ultra vires of sub-section (4) of Section 175-A of the Act and hence, the reference made under the impugned communication dated 30.10.2013 is unsustainable in law.

- 29 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

4.1 Sri Raviverma Kumar, learned Advocate General appearing for the State fairly and rightly conceded that sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules is ultra vires of sub-section (4) of Section 175-A of the Act .

5. It is relevant to refer to Section 175-A of the Act , which reads as follows:

175-A. Members to declare assets .- (1) Every member shall within three months from the date of commencement of his term of office and until the expiry of his term in every calendar year file a declaration of assets owned by him and any member of his family, in such manner and in such form as may be prescribed, before the State Election Commission or Competent Authority as may be notified by the Government . (2) Where a member, after filing a declaration under sub-section (1), acquires or disposes any asset, he shall file further declaration to this effect before the State Election Commission or the Competent Authority, within three months from the date of such acquisition or disposal, as the case may be. (3) Any member, who fails to file declaration under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) or files the same knowing it to be false or incorrect shall cease to be a member. (4) Any question whether a member has ceased to be a member under sub-section (3), shall, on a reference made by the Zilla Panchayat, to the State Election Commission be decided by it and the decision of the State election Commission thereon shall be final. Explanation .- For the purposes of this section ‘family’ means the spouse and dependent children of the member.” (Underlining supplied) - 30 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

6. It is also relevant to refer to the Rules , which read as follows:

PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï C¢ü¤AiÀÄªÀÄ 1993 (1993gÀ PÀ£ÁðlPÀ C¢ü¤AiÀÄªÀÄ ¸ÀASÉå 14) gÀ 311£ÉÃ ¥ÀæPÀgÀtzÀ ªÀÄÆ®PÀ ¥ÀæzÀvÀÛªÁzÀ C¢üPÁgÀªÀ£ÀÄß ZÀ¯Á¬Ä¹, ¸ÀPÁðgÀªÀÅ F PÉ¼ÀPÀAqÀAvÉ ¤AiÀÄªÀÄUÀ¼À£ÀÄß gÀa¹gÀÄvÀÛzÉ. ¤AiÀÄªÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ 1.1.1. ºÉ¸ÀgÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÁægÀA¨sÀ: (1) F ¤AiÀÄªÀÄUÀ¼À£ÀÄß PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï (vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁ¬Äw ªÀÄvÀÄÛ f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁ¬ÄwUÀ¼À ZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀ D¹Û WÉÆÃµÀuÉ) ¤AiÀÄªÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ, 2010 JAzÀÄ PÀgÉAiÀÄvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ. (2) EzÀÄ gÁdå ¥ÀvÀæzÀ°è ¥ÀæPÀlªÁzÀ ¢£ÁAPÀ¢AzÀ eÁjUÉ §gÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.

2. vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄw ªÀÄvÀÄÛ f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁ¬ÄvÀÄU¥ÀAZÁ¬ÄvÀÄUÀ¼ÀÀ¼ÀÀ¼À ZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼À D¹Û WÉÆÃµÀuÉAiÀÄ jÃw ºÁUÀÆ £ÀªÀÄÆ£É:--- PÀ£ÁðlPÀ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï gÁeï C¢ü¤AiÀÄªÀÄ 1993gÀ ¥ÀæPÀgÀt 136(J) C£ÀéAiÀÄ vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¥ÀæPÀgÀt 175(J) C£ÀéAiÀÄ f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄvï ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄ ¸ÀA§AzsÀ¥ÀlÖ ¥ÁæzÉÃ²PÀ DAiÀÄÄPÀÛjUÉ vÀªÀÄä ¥ÀzÀzsÁgÀt ªÀiÁrzÀ ¢£ÁAPÀ¢AzÀ ªÀÄÆgÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÉÆ¼ÀUÉ ºÁUÀÆ vÀªÀÄä CªÀ¢ü ¥ÀÆtðªÁUÀÄªÀªÀgÉUÉ ¥Àæw PÁå¯ÉAqÀgï ªÀµÀðzÀ ªÉÆzÀ® MAzÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÉÆ¼ÀUÁV vÀªÀÄä ºÁUÀÆ vÀªÀÄä PÀÄlÄA§zÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ ºÉÆA¢gÀÄªÀ D¹ÛUÀ¼À WÉÆÃµÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß F ¤AiÀÄªÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ ®UÀwÛ¹zÀ £ÀªÀÄÆ£É (1) gÀ°è ¸À°è¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.

3.3.3. C¢üPÁgÁªÀ¢üAiÀÄ°è Cfð¹zÀ D¹Û CxÀªÁ «¯ÉAiÀÄ §UÉÎ WÉÆÃµÀuÉ: M§â ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄ 2£ÉÃ ¤AiÀÄªÀÄzÀ CrAiÀÄ°è MAzÀÄ WÉÆÃµÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß ¸À°è¹zÀ vÀgÀÄªÁAiÀÄ, AiÀiÁªÀÅzÉÃ D¹ÛAiÀÄ£ÀÄß Cfð¹zÀ°è CxÀªÁ «¯É ªÀiÁrzÀ°è, CAvÀºÀ Cdð£É CxÀªÁ ¸ÀAzsÀ¨sÁð£ÀÄ¸ÁgÀ «¯ÉAiÀÄ ¢£ÁAPÀ¢AzÀ ªÀÄÆgÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÀÄUÀ¼ÉÆ¼ÀUÉ ¸ÀA§AzsÀ¥ÀlÖ ¥ÁæzÉÃ²PÀ DAiÀÄÄPÀÛgDAiÀÄÄPÀÛg ÀÀÀÀ ªÀÄÄAzÉ CªÀ£ÀÄ D §UÉÎ ªÀÄvÉÆÛAzÀÄ D¹ÛAiÀÄ WÉÆÃµÀuÉAiÀÄ£ÀÄß F ¤AiÀÄªÀÄUÀ¼À £ÀªÀÄÆ£É-1 gÀ°è ¸À°è¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.

4.4.4. D¹Û «ªÀgÀ ¸À°è¸ÀzÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀ §UÉÎ PÀæªÀÄPÀæªÀÄ: (1) vÁ®ÆèPÀÄ ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄw/f¯Áè ¥ÀAZÁAiÀÄwUÀ¼À ZÀÄ£Á¬ÄvÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼ÀÄ vÀªÀÄä ºÁUÀÆ vÀªÀÄä PÀÄlÄA§zÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀågÀÄUÀ¼À D¹Û «ªÀgÀUÀ¼À£ÀÄß ¤AiÀÄªÀÄ 2 ªÀÄvÀÄÛ 3 gÀrAiÀÄ°è ¸À°è¸À¢zÀÝ°è, CxÀªÁ CzÀÄ ¤dªÁzÀÄzÀ®èªÉAzÀÄ CxÀªÁ ¸ÀjAiÀiÁzÀÄzÀ®èªÉAzÀÄ w½¢zÀÆÝ, CzÀ£ÀÄß ¸À°è¹zÀÝgÉ, CAvÀºÀ ¸ÀzÀ¸Àå£À ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀåvÀéªÀÅ ¤AvÀÄ ºÉÆÃUÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ.

(2) 4£ÉÃ ¤AiÀÄªÀÄzÀ (1)£ÉÃ G¥À ¤AiÀÄªÀÄzÀ£ÀéAiÀÄ ¸ÀzÀ¸ÀåvÀé ¤AvÀÄ ºÉÆÃzÀ §UÉÎ «ªÀgÀUÀ¼À£ÀÄß ¥ÁæzÉÃ²PÀ DAiÀÄÄPÀÛgÀÄ MAzÀÄMAzÀÄ wAUÀ¼ÉÆ¼ÀUÉ gÁdå ZÀÄ£ÁªÀuÁ DAiÉÆÃUÀPÉÌ w½¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ CzÀgÀ ¥ÀæwAiÀÄ£ÀÄß ¸ÀA§AzsÀ¥ÀlÖ - 31 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013

¸ÀzÀ¸ÀåjUÉ eÁjUÉÆ½¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ. DzÀgÉ gÁdå ZÀÄ£ÁªÀuÁ DAiÉÆÃUÀªÀÅ F §UÉÎ wÃªÀiÁð¤¸ÀvÀPÀÌzÀÄÝ. (Underlining supplied)

The above rules came into force from the date of their publication in the State Gazette i.e. February 7, 2012.

7. In my opinion, as could be seen from Section 175-A of the Act extracted above, sub-section (4) confers power only on the Zilla Panchayat to refer the matter relating to contravention of Section 175-A of the Act by members of the Zilla Panchayat for adjudication to the State Election

Commission and not on the Competent Authority (under the

Rules , the Competent Authority is the Jurisdictional

Regional Commissioner ). In other words, the power to refer is conferred only on the Zilla Panchayat and not on the

Competent Authority. In view of this, sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules conferring power on the Regional Commissioner to refer the matter to the State Election Commission for adjudication is clearly violative of sub-Section (4) of Section

175-A of the Act and hence is ultra vires the Act .

Accordingly, sub-rule (2) of Rule 4 of the Rules is declared as ultra vires the Act . Consequently, the impugned - 32 - W.P.Nos.50161/2013 & 50210-242/2013 c/w W.P.Nos.50753-50778/2013, 50939-50965/2013 & 51324-51357/2013 communication dated 30.10.2013 bearing

No. ZÀÄ£ÁªÀuÉ/«ªÀ/4/2013-14 of the Regional Commissioner ,

Bangalore Division, Bangalore, is unsustainable in law and is accordingly set aside.

8. However, the Regional Commissioner shall communicate to the concerned Zilla Panchayat, the contravention of Section 175-A of the Act by its members.

On such communication, the Zilla Panchayat shall refer the matter to the State Election Commission as per sub-Section

(4) of Section 175-A of the Act. The State Election

Commission shall thereafter adjudicate the matter in accordance with law.

Petitions allowed.

Sd/- JUDGE hkh.