In Brief
A Senior Civil Judge set aside the Zilla Panchayat election of Veeresh Kotagi. The High Court declined to interfere with this order, directing the appellant to pursue review or appeal. The Supreme Court held that under the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993, Section 2(9-A), a Senior Civil Judge lacks jurisdiction to hear election disputes for Zilla Panchayats—only a District Judge has such authority. Since jurisdiction cannot be conferred by consent, the election proceeding before the Senior Civil Judge was invalid. The Court set aside all orders against the appellant and allowed the appeal, restoring his position as Member of the Zilla Panchayat.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.