THE MEMBERSHIP OF BIHIA CHAIRMAN MAY BE IN DANGER IF HE REMAINS ABSCONDING FOR A LONG TIME

THE MEMBERSHIP OF BIHIA CHAIRMAN MAY BE IN DANGER IF HE REMAINS ABSCONDING FOR A LONG TIME

16-JUNE-ENG 28

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------As a result of the FIR lodged in Bihiya police station, the long-term absconding of Bihiya Chairman Sachin Kumar Gupta is posing a serious challenge to his membership. Section 18(1) ch of the Bihar Municipality Act, 2007 clearly addresses this situation.

According to the said section, if a councilor is found accused in a criminal case and remains absconding for six months or more, he may be disqualified for the post of councilor. The allegations against Bihiya Chairman Sachin Kumar Gupta are of serious nature, and his current absconding may activate the provisions of this Act. However, the case of Bihiya Chairman is of January 30 this year and not even four months have passed yet. The second case is of firing in Mahadalit Tola, Ward No. 8 of Nagar Panchayat Bihiya on 13 April this year. In the case, a named FIR has been lodged against the Chief Councilor of Nagar Panchayat Bihiya.

If Bihiya Chairman Sachin Kumar Gupta remains absconding for the period prescribed under Section 18(1)(g) of Bihar Municipality Act, 2007, his membership can be terminated in a lawful manner. This Act has been made with the aim of ensuring transparency and accountability in municipal bodies. In such a situation, the law will do its work and a chairman may have to be elected in Bihiya Nagar Panchayat so that administrative work continues smoothly.

In the present situation, if he does not get relief, his membership may be in danger in case he remains absconding for a long time. Thus, the future of Sachin Kumar Gupta will now depend on the decisions of the Hon'ble Court and the steps taken by him. If relief is not given, Chairman Gupta will have to surrender within six months.