MOHIT NEGI Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Pankaj Miglani, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Pradeep Joshi, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the State of Uttarakhand and Mr. Sanjay Bhatt, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the State Election Commission. Though notice was served on the fourth respondent, she has chosen not to enter appearance through counsel or appear in-person; and, as such, the Writ Petition is disposed of in her absence.

(2.) The Public Interest Litigation jurisdiction of this Court has been invoked by the petitioner herein seeking a writ of certiorari to have the Government Orders dated 20.10.2019 and 29.10.2019 quashed.

(3.) The petitioner claims to be an agriculturalist, to be a resident of village Vishnu Ghal, P.O. Bhogpur in Dehradun district, and to be earning his livelihood carrying on agricultural operations. He has filed this Writ Petition, allegedly in larger public interest, questioning the change in the policy of the Government regarding the district-wise reservation of Chairpersons of Zila Panchayats for the purpose of elections whereby the post of Chairperson of Zila Panchayat in Dehradun district has been allotted to Scheduled Tribes (women) candidates. The petitioner claims that the Writ Petition pertains to lack of good governance, and falls within the ambit of Rule 3(3)(A) of the PIL Rules of this Court.