Supreme Court overturns disqualification, Usha Sharma to remain as Solan Mayor
Photo of Mayor Usha Sharma. Photo source: Internet
Shimla, Feb 19,
The Supreme Court on Monday, February 17, 2025, reinstated Usha Sharma as the Mayor of Solan Municipal Corporation for the remainder of her term. The court made absolute its interim order of August 20, 2024, allowing Sharma to complete her tenure as per law. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh cautioned that any interruption in her tenure would invite serious consequences. The court also expedited the final hearing of the case.
“ The appellant No.1 shall be allowed to complete her tenure as per law. Any interruption will invite serious consequences,” stated the court order.
Usha Sharma, a Congress councillor, had won the mayoral election in December 2023 with the support of BJP councillors, defeating the official Congress candidate, Sardar Singh. Following the election, Poonam Grover was elected as the Deputy Mayor.
A complaint was subsequently filed by certain Congress leaders with the Urban Development Department, seeking Sharma’s disqualification under the anti-defection law for contesting against the party’s official candidate. Acting on the complaint, the Principal Secretary of Urban Development, Devesh Kumar, disqualified Sharma and former mayor Poonam Grover from their membership in the Solan Municipal Corporation on June 10, 2024, leading to their removal from office.
Also read:Solan MC: Usha Sharma wins Mayor, BJP triumphs in Dy mayor race amid Congress discord
The Himachal Pradesh High Court upheld the disqualification, prompting Sharma and Grover to challenge the decision before the Supreme Court. Prior to the latest ruling, Sharma had successfully obtained a stay from the Supreme Court on the election of a new mayor and the suspension of her mayoral position, further complicating the legal and political aspects of the case.
In delivering its verdict, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of due process and the rule of law, highlighting concerns over the use of administrative and legal mechanisms in political disputes. The court’s decision to reinstate Sharma signals the necessity of adherence to legal principles in matters of political disqualification.
Also read:Himachal Government disqualify Mayor, ex Mayor of Solan Municipal Corporation
The ruling is expected to have broader implications on similar cases in the future, reinforcing the precedent that removals from office must align with established legal frameworks.
With Sharma’s reinstatement, the political scenario within the Solan Municipal Corporation may witness further developments. The case highlights the complexities arising from intra-party dynamics and legal interpretations in municipal governance.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
