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Two kids too many: Puri council chief loses job

M I Khan in Bhubaneswar

In a far-reaching judgment Puri's district election tribunal's judge, Bijoy Krushna Patel, on Tuesday declared null and void the election of Puri Municipal Council chairman Surendra Dash because he had four children - two more than the prescribed limit under the amended Orissa Municipal Act.

While sources close to Dash said he may appeal against the tribunal's verdict, the decision was welcomed by political leaders all over the state. They said the explosive growth of population in the state warranted some "tough decisions."

Sources at the election tribunal office said soon after Dash's election, Laxmidhar Sahoo had filed a petition stating that since Dash had four children he should have been barred from contesting the elections under the amended Orissa Municipal Act.

The tribunal agreed with Sahoo and declared invalid Dash's election from ward no 28. The tribunal also directed the district magistrate to take immediate steps to fill up the vacancy.

Sources in the state Election Commission office said sooner or later the two-children norm would apply to members of the legislative assembly too.

"It may take some time...but it is bound to happen," a senior official said.

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