Gujarat HC issues notice in 'proxy president' row at Bagasara Municipality

Gujarat High Court has issued notice and directed the Regional Commissioner of Municipalities to conduct an inquiry at the earliest into allegations that despite Jyotsnaben Ribadiya, the elected president of Bagasara Municipality in Amreli district since 2022, her husband, Arvind Ribadiya, is functioned as a “Proxy President” and carried out all administrative functions of the civic body.

Advocate representing the petitioner Dinesh Hadiyal, submitted before the court that the Arvind Ribadiya is passing necessary resolutions. In support of the claim, the petitioner placed on record several photographs showing Arvind Ribadiya’s presence in the president’s office at Bagasara Municipality. Certain news reports were also cited, which reportedly refer to Arvind Ribadiya receiving awards and appreciation in place of the elected president, Jyotsnaben Ribadiya.

After perusing the photographs and material placed on record, the high court directed the Regional Commissioner to cause inquiry and to do the needful at the earliest. The court clarified that it is open for the Regional Commissioner of Municipality to act in accordance with law.

The petitioner had earlier submitted a detailed representation to the Regional Commissioner of Municipalities on June 16, 2025, seeking action in the matter. However, no decision has been taken on the representation so far.

The matter is now likely to be heard again on March 3, 2026.