Gujarat HC seeks response on plea questioning foreign national’s membership in cooperative sugar mill

The Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the state government and concerned authorities on a writ petition raising an important legal question whether a foreign national can be a member of a cooperative sugar factory and its managing committee.

During the hearing, Justice Aniruddha P Mayee directed the state government, the Cooperation Department secretary, the Director of Sugar, and the Gandevi Cooperative Sugar Industry Ltd to file their replies.

The petition, filed by Jitendra Desai, a member of the Gandevi Cooperative Sugar Industry in Navsari district, challenges the membership of Ranjitbhai Nathubhai Patel, who was elected to the managing committee of the sugar mill. The petitioner has contended that Patel has been residing in the United States for several years and has allegedly relinquished Indian citizenship to acquire US citizenship.

It was also pointed out before the court that Patel’s name does not figure in either the Assembly or Lok Sabha electoral rolls. The petitioner argued that a person who is neither an Indian citizen nor a local resident cannot legally continue as a member or managing committee member of a cooperative sugar factory.

The plea states that representations made earlier to the sugar director and other authorities were rejected, prompting the petitioner to approach the High Court seeking legal clarity. The matter is now pending further hearing after notices were issued to all respondents.