The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has suffered another setback in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after the civic body terminated the membership of Govandi corporator Roshan Shaikh. The action followed the cancellation of her Other Backward Class (OBC) caste certificate by the competent scrutiny committee, rendering her ineligible to continue from a reserved ward.
The BMC said the decision was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, under which an elected representative automatically loses membership if the caste certificate used to contest a reserved seat is declared invalid.
Caste Scrutiny Committee Invalidates Certificate
According to an official notification, the District Caste Certificate Scrutiny Committee in Parbhani invalidated Roshan Shaikh’s OBC caste certificate on April 27, 2026. The certificate had been issued in November 2025, enabling her to contest the 2026 BMC election from the OBC-reserved Ward 138 in Govandi.
Following the committee’s decision, the civic administration initiated legal proceedings that culminated in the termination of her corporator’s membership.
Membership Ceases Automatically Under Law
The BMC stated that Shaikh’s disqualification came into force from the date her caste certificate was declared invalid.
Invoking Section 16(1C)(a) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, the civic body said there was no requirement for a separate removal process, as the law provides for the automatic cessation of membership once the caste certificate is invalidated by the competent authority.
Second AIMIM Corporator to Lose Seat
Roshan Shaikh is the second AIMIM corporator to lose membership on similar grounds in recent weeks.
Earlier, Shamir Ramzan Patel, who represented Ward 137 in Govandi, was also disqualified after the District Caste Scrutiny Committee invalidated his OBC caste certificate. His removal was formally announced during a BMC general body meeting by Mayor Ritu Tawde.
Before Patel’s disqualification, Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Deepak Sawant had also lost his seat following the cancellation of his caste certificate.
Legal Requirement for Reserved Seats
Under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, candidates contesting elections from reserved constituencies must possess valid caste certificates and caste validity certificates wherever required.
If the competent scrutiny authority subsequently declares the caste certificate invalid, the elected representative automatically becomes disqualified from holding office under the provisions of the Act.
The latest development further alters the political composition within the BMC and marks another instance of elected representatives losing office following scrutiny of caste certificates.
FAQs
Why was Roshan Shaikh disqualified?
Her OBC caste certificate was declared invalid by the District Caste Certificate Scrutiny Committee, making her ineligible to represent an OBC-reserved ward.
Which ward did Roshan Shaikh represent?
She was elected from Ward 138 in Govandi, a seat reserved for the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Which law led to her disqualification?
Her membership ceased under Section 16(1C)(a) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, which provides for automatic disqualification if a caste certificate is invalidated.
Is Roshan Shaikh the first AIMIM corporator to lose membership?
No. Earlier, AIMIM corporator Shamir Ramzan Patel was also disqualified after his OBC caste certificate was invalidated.
Does cancellation of a caste certificate automatically end membership?
Yes. Under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, an elected representative from a reserved seat automatically loses membership once the competent authority invalidates the caste certificate.
