ORAL ORDER

The petitioners have sought for a writ in the nature of certiorari to quash the notice dated 12.05.2025 issued to them that they are ineligible to vote under Rule 13-D(2-A)(i)(ii) of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules, 1960 (henceforth referred to as 'Rules of 1960') and Section 20(2)(b)(iv)(a) and (b) of the Karnataka Cooperative Societies Act, 1959 (henceforth referred to as 'Act of 1959') and disallowing them from participating in the elections to the respondent No.5 scheduled on 28.05.2025. They have also sought for a writ in the nature of mandamus to direct the respondents to permit them to participate in the elections.

2. (i) The petitioners contend that they are all Primary Agricultural Credit Co-operative Societies and are entitled to send their delegates to the respondent No.5. They contend that the term of the Managing Committee of the respondent No.5 came to an end and hence, elections to the Managing Committee of the respondent No.5 for the period 2025-2030 was scheduled on 28.05.2025. The respondent No.4 was appointed as the returning officer to conduct elections. They contend that under Rule 13-D(5) of the Rules of 1960, it is the duty of the Chief Ex