Baldev Singh Gandhi vs State Of Punjab And Others

The Supreme Court held that the removal of the appellant from the Municipal Council under Section 16(1)(e) of the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911 was unjustified as the charges against him were based on his legitimate criticism of the house tax assessment list, which he argued was arbitrary and illegal. The Court emphasized that elected representatives must be free to express dissent without fear of retribution, thereby establishing the principle that political dissent is protected under the law. The Court set aside the removal order, reinstating the appellant as a Councilor.