Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Jul 15: The court of Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner on Tuesday July 13, ordered cancellation of the memberships of two members of the local municipality, P K Thomas, and Ratnakar Devadiga.

Harish, a nominated, member, had complained to the court, seeking to nullify their election, pointing out that both of them enjoy offices of profit under the concerned act. While Thomas holds plumbing licence for municipality, Ratnakar Devadiga conducts his business in a room of a building owned by the municipality, he had said in the complaint.

During the hearing, the court found substance in these arguments, as it was proved that both the members concerned enjoyed offices of profit.  As such, it has issued orders, annulling their memberships in the municipal council.

In the 23-member municipal council here, Congress had 11 members, JDS – 7, BJP – 4 and CPI – 1. With the cancellation of two memberships, the strength of the Congress has been reduced to nine.