Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal Faces Major Setback as High Court Seizes Her Powers

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The political atmosphere in Lucknow has heated up after a major action by the Allahabad High Court against Mayor Sushma Kharkwal. In a move being described as unprecedented in municipal politics, the court has reportedly sealed the mayor’s financial and administrative powers over her alleged refusal to administer the oath to an elected councillor despite repeated court directions.

The controversy began after the municipal elections in Lucknow, where Lalit Kishore Tiwari won from the Faizullaganj ward. However, the matter took a controversial turn when the victory certificate was allegedly issued to another person. Tiwari then approached the Allahabad High Court seeking relief.

After hearing the case, the court directed the mayor to administer the oath to the elected councillor. But according to reports, the oath ceremony did not happen even after the order. The matter later reached the Supreme Court after an appeal was filed against the High Court’s direction. However, the apex court also reportedly refused to interfere and maintained that the councillor should be allowed to take oath.

What shocked many observers was that even after the Supreme Court’s observations, the oath was still allegedly not administered. This reportedly angered the Allahabad High Court, which viewed the delay as a serious violation of judicial orders.

Following this, the court took strict action and ordered that Sushma Kharkwal’s financial and administrative powers be sealed. The court has also directed contempt proceedings against her. According to reports, the responsibilities related to the functioning of the municipal corporation will now be handled by the District Magistrate and the Commissioner until further instructions.

The development has triggered intense political reactions across Uttar Pradesh. Opposition leaders have accused the municipal administration of disrespecting democratic values and ignoring court orders. At the same time, supporters of the mayor claim the matter became legally complicated due to the dispute over the election certificate.

Legal experts believe the case could become an important example of how courts respond when their orders are allegedly ignored by elected officials. Many are also calling it a significant moment for accountability in local governance.

The incident is now being closely watched not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in political and legal circles across the country, as such action against a sitting mayor is considered extremely rare.