Patna: The Urban Development and Housing Department has issued a show cause notice to Patna Mayor Sita Sahu, warning that her powers could be withdrawn under Section 68(2) of the Bihar Municipality Act if she fails to provide a satisfactory reply within seven days.
The notice follows an investigation that accused the mayor of disobeying departmental orders and engaging in irregular or illegal actions. Specifically, Sahu has been charged under Section 67A of the Act for allegedly pushing three disputed proposals — numbered 123, 124 and 125 — in a corporation board meeting despite a departmental ban.
Municipal Commissioner Animesh Parashar had earlier written to the department raising concerns, prompting the formation of a two-member inquiry committee. Several councillors, including Vinay Kumar Pappu, Geeta Devi, Dr Ashish Sinha and Dr Indradeep Chandravanshi, also lodged complaints against the mayor, alleging repeated violations of rules.
According to the notice, Sahu brought the controversial proposals before the board again on 11 July despite explicit orders not to. Investigators also flagged irregularities in convening meetings of the corporation board and the empowered standing committee. The partial file of the eighth board meeting was allegedly opened prematurely on 11 February, raising further suspicion.
The three proposals under scrutiny include restrictions on implementing schemes without board approval, a requirement that decisions passed by the board and standing committee cannot be cancelled without their consent, and the dismissal of advocate Prasun Sinha alongside the formation of a new legal panel.
If the mayor is stripped of her powers, her responsibilities are likely to be handed to the deputy mayor, in line with established procedure.
