Govt starts proceedings for removal of SMC deputy mayor

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Orders inquiry against Parvaiz Qadri on basis of ACB report

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry against Parvaiz Qadri, deputy mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, on the basis of inputs from the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The inquiry would be conducted by Anil Koul, secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department.

“In terms of section 34 of Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act-2000, sanction is hereby accorded to the appointment of Mr. Anil Koul, Secretary in the Housing & Urban Development Department, as the inquiry officer against Mr. Parvaiz Qadri, Deputy Mayor Srinagar Municipal Corporation, on the basis of inputs/report from Anti- Corruption Bureau, J&K,” reads an order issued by the Housing & Urban Development Department, a copy of which is in possession of news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Under section 34 of the law, the Government is empowered to remove any councillor, if in its opinion, he has flagrantly abused his position as a councillor or has through negligence or misconduct been responsible for the loss or misapplication of any money or property of the Corporation.

The law, however, states that before making an order under this provision, reasonable opportunity shall be given to the councillor to be heard and to show cause against such an order.