In Brief
In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of multi-member Wards in Gujarat's Municipal Corporations. The Court held that Articles 243R and 243S of the Constitution do not mandate single-member representation from each Ward. The State Legislature has plenary power under Entry 5 of List II to determine municipal composition, limited only by express constitutional prohibitions. Article 243S governs Wards Committees, not the composition of Municipalities. Multi-member Wards enhance representation and empowerment of weaker sections (women, SCs, STs) through increased reservation seats. The Court dismissed challenges to Section 5(3)(iii)(a) and 29A of the Gujarat Act and related rules as constitutionally valid. A related appeal concerning postponement of local body elections became infructuous after elections were held pursuant to a High Court direction.
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