Mangalore : The District Court has upheld the election of Gulzar Banu as Mayor of Mangalore last year. The court ruling has come with just 15 days left for Gulzar Banu’s term to end.

The court while dismissing the petition filed by corporators Roopa D Bangera and Premanand Shetty of the BJP, challenging the election of Banu, has directed them to pay the court expenses.

Gulzar Banu of Congress was declared elected mayor of Mangalore on March 7, 2012 by default by the returning officer, after the BJP’s official candidate Roopa Bangera had failed to provide her caste certificate as required, along with her nomination.

Soon after the election Roopa had knocked at the High Court doors, but the Court had directed that the case be heard in the district court.

The Mayor who expressed happiness over the court ruling. At the same time she said she was given only Rs 50 lakhs out of the Rs 1.25 crore  that is set aside for the mayor for developmental works on the grounds that the case regarding her election was subjudice. She said she would take up the issue in the next council meeting on February 21, which will be her last meeting in office. Gulzar Banu’s tenure will end on February 28.