HC admits PIL challenging Ordinances on Mayor poll

Chennai, Sept 20 (UNI) Madras High Court today admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), challenging the Ordinances pertaining to the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Chairman and Vice Chairman by the Councillors and Ward Members.

A Division Bench comprising Mr Justice P Sathasivam and Mr Justice S Tamilvanan admitted the PIL filed by one M O Kandasamy Singh, seeking to declare Ordinance three of 2006 of Tamil Nadu Panchayats (fifth) Amendment and Ordinance four of 2006 of Tamil Nadu Municipals Laws as unconstitutional, null and void and ultra vires of Article 243 and 252 of the Constitution.

The bench also directed notices to be served to Secretary, Law Department, Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner, Secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Secretary, Rural Development and Local Administration and Special Commissioner to Chennai Corporation.

As per the Amendment and Ordinance, the post of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Chairman and Vice Chairman are to be elected by the Councillors and Ward Members.

The Petitioner contended that the new method would encourage horse trading of the Councillors. It would result in political chaos and confusion, he added.

He alleged that the modus operandi was against the basic structure of the Constitution and would degrade the concept of democracy. It was a misuse of legislative power, he added.

He also alleged that the amendments were politically motivated to favour the ruling party.

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