Based on information provided by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to launch an investigation against Srinagar Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Parvaiz Qadri.
Anil Koul, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will lead the investigation.
An order from the Housing and Urban Development Department reads, “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.”
If the government determines that a council member has engaged in “gross abuse of 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,” it may remove that person from office under section 34 of the statute.
However, before issuing an order under this clause, the law mandates that the councilmember be given a fair chance to be heard and to provide evidence refuting the need for such an order. (KNO)
