Girish Kumar T M v. Deputy Commissioner
Case brief
What is this about?
Defection; disqualification of municipal councillors; whip; service of whip by affixture on residence door; abstention from voting; intentional absence from meeting; Section 3(1)(b) and Section 4, Karnataka Local Authorities (Prevention of Defection) Act, 1987; Nanjangud City Municipal Council; election of President and Vice-President 03.09.2024; BJP-JD(S) coalition; removal from primary membership; condonation within fifteen days; natural justice; cross-examination before Deputy Commissioner; Kihoto Hollohan Vs. Zachillhu 1992 Supp (2) SCC 651; W.P. No.104407/2021; W.P. No.22352/2021; W.A.No.992/2022; Articles 226 and 227, Constitution of India; Tenth Schedule; writ petition dismissed.
What did the court decide?
Even abstention from voting, or intentional absence from a meeting, contrary to a direction issued by the political party amounts to defection under Section 3(1)(b) of the Act, 1987, unless done with the prior permission of the party or condoned by the party within fifteen days.