In Brief
This case addressed whether a High Court can use its power under Article 226 to prevent an automatic legal termination of an election under Section 5B of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. Two candidates elected to reserved seats had their caste claims rejected by a Scrutiny Committee. They filed petitions before the six-month deadline, and the High Court granted interim protection. The Court held that while the statutory requirement to submit caste certificates within six months is mandatory, the High Court retains full power under Article 226 to maintain the status quo through interim orders before the legal termination takes effect. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeals, affirming that constitutional powers of judicial review cannot be restricted by statutory provisions and that interim orders aiding the main relief were properly granted.
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