BHAGAT RAM PATANGA Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal, by special leave, is directed against the judgment and order dated April 10, 1969 of the Full Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Letters Patent Appeal No. 70 of 1964, dismissing Civil Writ Petition No. 22 of 1963 filed by the appellant to quash the order of the respondent dated September 11, 1962.

(2.) The circumstances that led to the filing of the Civil Writ Petition No 22 of 1963 may be briefly stated:In the elections held in October, 1959, the appellant was elected as a Member of the Municipal Committee, Phagwara. On June 20, 1960, a meeting was held for the election of the President and Vice President of the Committee. The meeting was presided over by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil). According to the appellant the Presiding Officer conducted the elections of the President and the Vice President in an irregular and illegal manner and was favouring the party led by another committee member Bhag Ram. When the appellant and another member Om Prakash Agnihotri, protested against this conduct of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), the group led by Bhag Ram brought into the Town Hall some unruly elements from outside who created panic and confusion and manhandled Om Prakash Agnihotri, who was also a candidate for the presidential office.

(3.) It may be stated at this stage that according to the respondent, Om Prakash Agnihotri created a scene in the meeting and the appellant who was a staunch supporter of Om Prakash Agnihotri brought into the Town Hall, a number of outsiders with a view to cause chaos and confusion in the meeting and that the appellant did not maintain decorum and did not care to obey the directions of the Chairman. Ultimately, Bhag Ram was elected as a President.