PADMAKSHI Vs. SECRETARY, ARATTUPUZHA GRAMA PANCHAYATH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who was Chairperson of Area Development Society (ADS) of Ward No.4 of Arattupuzha Panchayat, is challenging Ext.P1 findings of the Ombudsman, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Authority (MGNREGA), Alappuzha, in W.P.(C) No.32302/2013. In W.P.(C) No.8713/2015, the same petitioner is challenging Ext.P1 proceedings of the District Election Officer, Kudumbashree Mission.

(2.) Facts in brief relevant for deciding these writ petitions, are as follows:-

(3.) The Ombudsman entertained the complaint. Six witnesses were examined. Three documents were marked. The petitioner's defence before the Ombudsman was that Thankamma was suffering from illness on the relevant days. Even though Thankamma reached the site for work, she could not do work. Thankamma's husband was a cancer patient who passed away recently. Other employees unanimously requested the petitioner to collect money for Thankamma so as to enable Thankamma to purchase medicine. Therefore, the petitioner permitted Thankamma to put her signature in the muster roll.