A local court in Surat on Friday declined to issue a stay on the election for the vice-president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) or its results, thereby clearing the path for the polling scheduled on May 24. The court's decision came in response to a petition filed by chartered accountant Hardik Kakadiya, who challenged the arbitration and mediation process related to disputes surrounding the vice-president election within the SGCCI.
Background of the Election
The SGCCI, which boasts approximately 14,000 members, considers the vice-president election highly significant because the elected vice-president is traditionally elevated to the position of president the following year. This tradition makes the contest crucial for the chamber's leadership succession.
Petitioner's Allegations
In his plea, Kakadiya sought a stay on both the election and its outcome, alleging that the dispute resolution process was flawed and lacked a valid legal framework. He stated, "As a member of SGCCI, I have approached the court after the recent handling of disputes in SGCCI. The entire process was faulty and it does not follow any approved legal framework." Kakadiya further argued that representatives of the concerned parties were not included in the panel during the arbitration process by the SGCCI.
Although the court refused to grant an interim stay, Kakadiya noted that the matter is not yet closed. "The court refused to stay, but further hearing will be held on the next date. I have approached the court with support of a few other CAs as well," he added.
Rejection of Candidate Challenge
In a related development, a separate appeal by one of the two vice-president candidates, Nitin Bharucha, seeking cancellation of rival candidate Raviraj Desai's candidature, was rejected by an arbitration committee on Thursday. With that decision, the contest will proceed between Bharucha and Desai.
Preparations for Polling
SGCCI election committee chairman Vijay Mevawala confirmed that preparations for the polling process have already been completed. "Now the election will be held since the court refused to grant a stay. We have already completed preparations to carry out the process smoothly," Mevawala said.
The election is expected to take place as scheduled, with members casting their votes to determine the next vice-president, who will eventually ascend to the presidency.
