The Karnataka High Court, on Tuesday, upheld the State government’s order asking nominated members of various State boards and corporations to vacate the office soon after the Governor’s rule was imposed. The court observed that nominated members cannot claim equality on a par with elected members.

Justice Mohan Shantanagowdar made this remark while hearing a writ petition challenging the State government’s order asking nominated members to vacate their offices and surrender official vehicles.

The circular issued by principal secretaries of respective departments to vacate the offices cannot be termed invalid, justice Shantanagowdar said.

Former chairman of Karnataka Minorities Commission Syed Mudeer Agha and eight others had challenged the order.