Gujarat High Court Orders Inquiry Into Allegation Of Municipality President's Husband Acting As Proxy
The Gujarat High Court on Monday (January 12) directed Regional Commissioner of Municipalities to conduct an inquiry after a plea alleged that the husband of Bagasra Municipality's President has been acting as her proxy, adding that it is open for the officer to take action as per law. The court was hearing a petition seeking to direct the respondent authorities to decide the...
The Gujarat High Court on Monday (January 12) directed Regional Commissioner of Municipalities to conduct an inquiry after a plea alleged that the husband of Bagasra Municipality's President has been acting as her proxy, adding that it is open for the officer to take action as per law.
The court was hearing a petition seeking to direct the respondent authorities to decide the petitioner's representation who stated that he is a resident of Bagasra Municipality.
His counsel argued that it came to the petitioner's knowledge that the President of Bagasra Municipality in Amreli district elected in 2022. He argued that despite she holding the post of President of municipality, her husband has been "acting as proxy president" and doing all administrative work for municipality.
He submitted that the husband is acting as proxy president by passing resolution and has even given a media byte. He said that a detailed representation dated 16-6-2025 was made to Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Nagarpalika Bhavnagar however the same is not decided yet.
The counsel appearing for Bagasra Municipality and submitted that the allegations are not correct and needs factual verification
After hearing the matter for some time Justice Mauna M Bhatt in her order dictated:
"...it is noticed by this court that from photographs annexed at annexure B, presence of Mr. AV Rabariya (husband) is seen in office of municipality. There are photographs addressing press are also part of petition. Certain news reports also refer to presence of Mr. AV Rabariya instead of respondent no. 5 who is the elected President of Municipality. Some awards or appreciation is also being received by Mr. AV Rabariya. In view of above this court directs Regional Commissioner of Municipalities to cause inquiry and to do needful at the earliest. It is open for Regional Commissioner of Municipalities to act in accordance with law. Issue notice".
The court permitted the petitioner to make amendment to the plea to add the President as a respondent party (respondent no. 5) to the petition.
Case title: DINESHBHAI BHANUBHAI HADIYAL v/s THE STATE OF GUJARAT & ORS.
R/SCA/15122/2025