The Regional Commissioner of the Belagavi Division has issued an order disqualifying two councillors of the Belagavi Municipal Corporation for violating provisions under the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976.

Councillors Mr. Jayant Jadhav (Ward No. 23) and Mr. Mangesh Pawar (Ward No. 41) were allocated shops at Tinnasu Katte/Khau Katta through an auction prior to their election as councillors. According to the rules, they were required to surrender these shops to the Municipal Corporation upon being elected. However, instead of complying with the regulations, they retained possession of the shops through their family members, thereby indirectly benefiting from municipal property. This violation led to their disqualification.

Following a complaint and subsequent motion, the Regional Commissioner invoked Section 26(1)(k) of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, leading to their disqualification. Consequently, as per Section 26(2) of the Act, their positions as councillors for Ward No. 23 and Ward No. 41 have been declared vacant immediately.

A case was filed by Social activist Sujit Mulgund in this regard with the Regional Commissioner.