K.LAKSHMI KAILASAM Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition has been filed in the nature of Certiorarified Mandamus seeking interference with the order of the first respondent/District Collector/Inspector of Panchayats, Pudukottai District, dtd. 26/7/2021 and to set aside the same and consequently, to direct the petitioner alone to sign the cheques temporarily pending consideration of the representation, dtd. 16/6/2021.

(2.) In the affidavit filed in support of the Writ Petition, the petitioner/President, Vaalaramanickam Village Panchayat, Arimalam Block, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukottai District, stated that she had contested successfully in the elections for the post of President in the year 2019. The Panchayat consists of 9 wards and one K.M.Udaiyappan, who had been selected as Ward Member from the 6th ward, was elected as Vice President. It was stated that K.M.Udaiyappan, refused to sign the cheques. This was questioned by other ward members. It was stated that the ward member of the 3rd ward, PLaksmi and the Vice President, K.M.Udaiyappan, had indulged in wordy quarrels relating to the implementation of schemes during the Gramasabha meeting. It was stated that this led to the registration of a FIR in Cr.No.236 of 2020 by K.Pudupatti Police Station against K.M.Udaiyappan and others. There were further altercations. It was also stated that K.M.Udaiyappan was incarcerated in prison also.

(3.) There was a special Gramasabha meeting held on 19/8/2020 and a resolution was passed to change the cheque signing power from K.M.Udaiyappan to another ward member. The said resolution was forwarded to the first respondent/District Collector/Inspector of Panchayat. However, the first respondent stated that a fresh meeting should be convened and a resolution should be passed giving the name of the ward member to whom the cheque signing power should be given. The Gramasabha meeting was therefore proposed to be held on 18/9/2020. It was deferred for various reasons and finally, held on 9/11/2020 and the cheque signing power was transferred from K.M.Udaiyappan to P.Lakshmi.