Sri P D Janardhana v. the State of Karnataka
Case brief
What is this about?
Society/association election nomination rejection; writ petition maintainability; Karnataka Societies Act 1960; Section 25 limited scope; bye-law 16.3 two consecutive terms; Returning Officer reasoned order; Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies intervention; interim order keeping five posts (Secretary, two Zonal Organizing Secretaries, State Organizing Secretary, one EC seat) vacant; remedy relegated to competent civil court under Section 9 CPC 1908; prospective relief including damages against Returning Officer; Karnataka State Retired Police Officers' Welfare Association; GM-KSR; High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru; B M Shyam Prasad J.; decided 22.01.2026; NC: 2026:KHC:4016.
What did the court decide?
Petitions disposed on agreed terms: liberty to the petitioners to file nominations for the five posts left vacant; any rejection by the Returning Officer to be by a reasoned order specifying the consecutive terms served; further grievances to be taken to the competent civil Court under Section 9 CPC 1908; liberty to seek relief, including damages, against the Returning Officer if he fails to give reasons.