Constitution Does Not Give Aldermen Right To Vote: SC

Context: 

The Supreme Court recently said the Constitution does not allow nominated members of a municipality the right to vote in meetings.

About Aldermen: 

Origin of the Term:

• Etymologically, the word comes from the combination Old English words for “old” (Anglian, ald or West Saxon, eald) and “man” (monn in Mercian/Anglian or mann in West Saxon).

Different locations, different meanings:

• Britain: 

• • Aldermen were elected members of municipal borough corporations in Britain until the 19th century. 
  • The Municipal Reform Act of 1835 established the role of aldermen, who were elected by the council instead of the electorate. 
  • The Local Government Act of 1972 abolished the role of aldermen with voting rights, except in the Greater London Council and London borough councils until 1978.
• US: In the US, the role of an alderman varied by jurisdiction and could have been either a legislative or judicial part of local government. The “board of aldermen” served as the governing body in many cities and towns.
• Canada: The term “alderman” was used for those persons elected to a municipal council to represent the wards. 
• Australia and Ireland have also abolished the term and specific post of an alderman.

Alderman in India:

• As per the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, ten people can be nominated to the corporation by the administrator (the Lieutenant Governor) as aldermen.
• These people are expected to have special knowledge or experience in municipal administration. They are meant to assist the house in taking decisions of public importance.
• Minimum Age: 25
• Controversy: The current controversy regarding the appointment of 10 aldermen involves the eligibility of the nominees, with two of them being found unfit due to their absence from the voter list. 

Nominated members in RS, LS and Delhi MCD:

News Source: The Hindu

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