MAFATLAL JOITARAM PATEL Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) BY way of this petition, the petitioner has prayed to quash and set aside the impugned orders dated 21. 09. 1999, 30. 12. 1999 and 26. 09. 2000 passed by the respondent-authorities.

(2.) THE facts in brief are that in 1999 the petitioner was serving as a Sarpanch of Vasai Gram Panchayat, Taluka Vijapur. In March 1999, some villagers submitted an application raising a grievance that certain trees have been cut from the public place at the instance of the petitioner. Accordingly, the Police Inspector was asked to submit a Report, which was submitted on 12. 03. 1999. The Dy. Mamlatdar, Vijapur ordered an inquiry into the matter.

(3.) HEARD learned counsel for the respective parties and perused the documents on record. While deciding the issue, respondent no. 3-authority found that the trees had been cut at the instance of the petitioner and that they were, subsequently, disposed of, without holding any public auction. In the proceedings before respondent no. 3, the petitioner has admitted that the trees had been cut at his instance. Thus, looking to the evidence on record, I am of the view that the authorities below were completely justified in passing the impugned orders. I am in complete agreement with the reasonings given by and the findings arrived at by the authorities below and hence, find no reasons to interfere in this petition.