No bar on moving no-confidence motion during end of a gram panchayat’s term: Karnataka High Court

There is no embargo to move a no-confidence motion against presidents/vice-presidents of grama panchayats (GPs) towards the extreme end of the term of the elected body except the initial embargo of 15 months from the date on which the members of the panchayat take oath during the first meeting after elections, the High Court of Karnataka has said.

“The legislative intent is clear that while stability is ensured during the initial period, elected representatives must remain accountable throughout the term,” said Justice Suraj Govindaraj, while dismissing a petition filed by the president of a GP in Kolar district.

The petitioner, Srinivas, had questioned the no-confidence motion moved against him with only two months left for the end of the term of the elected council of the GP.

The term of the elected body, commenced in February 2021, would end on February 21, 2026 and the notice on the no-confidence motion was issued by the Assistant Commissioner, Kolar on December 20, 2025 on the request of some members levelling certain allegations against the petitioner.

“Permitting a motion of no confidence even towards the end of the term ensures that an elected office- bearer does not misuse the remaining tenure for any improper or extraneous purposes,” the court observed while dismissing the petition.