Karnataka High Court notice to SEC on plea to notify schedule in 15 days for elections to Shivamogga City Corporation

The High Court of Karnataka ordered issue of notice on a PIL petition, which has sought a direction to the State Election Commission (SEC) to notify within 15 the calendar of events for holding elections to the council of the Shivamogga City Corporation (SCC).

On February 5, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha passed the order on a petition filed by K.E Kanthesh, a businessperson and son of former minister K.S. Eshwarappa.

The petitioner has pointed out that the SEC and the government of Karnataka have violated provisions of the Constitution of India in not holding timely elections to the council of SCC, the term of which ended on August 30, 2023.

The petitioner has contended that constitutional provisions mandate holding of election before expiry of term of the existing elected council. On case of dissolution of the council, elections should be held within six months from the dissolution.