MP government objects to CM’s name in plea against mayor election

The MP government on Friday objected to the inclusion of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as one of the respondents in a writ of quo warranto challenging the election of Indore-IV MLA Malini Gaud as Indore’s mayor.

The MP government on Friday objected to the inclusion of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as one of the respondents in a writ of quo warranto challenging the election of Indore-IV MLA Malini Gaud as Indore’s mayor.

Gaud’s election as the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) the mayor was challenged on the grounds that she cannot hold two offices at the same time. The petitioner also included the chief minister as one of the respondents in his appeal, since Chouhan administered the oath of mayor to Gaud and announced for her continuation as MLA.

The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh high court will hear the matter on Monday.

Advocate Manohar Dalal, on behalf of the petitioner, alleged that as per Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1956, a sitting MLA cannot hold the office of mayor, both simultaneously.

“Gaud, who was a sitting MLA on the date when she contested for the office of mayor. She has to give up her MLA post before she was administered oath as mayor,” he said. “She cannot hold two posts together. If she did not resign, then both the post will automatically fall vacant,” said advocate Dalal.