R.ARUMUGAM Vs. INSPECTOR OF PANCHAYATS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS Writ Petition is directed against the order dated 06 August 2012 on the file of Inspector of Panchayats, Pudukottai, whereby and whereunder, the petitioner was divested of his cheque signing power.

(2.) THE petitioner was elected as the President of Kalamavur Village Panchayat during the year 2011. While he was functioning as the President of Panchayat, the Assistant Director (Panchayats) conducted verification of the accounts of the village Panchayat on 10 May 2012, and thereafter, a show cause notice was issued to the petitioner on 06 August 2012 by the second respondent. The first respondent passed an order on 06 August 2012, transferring the cheque signing power to the Block Development Officer. The said order is challenged in this Writ Petition.

(3.) THE Block Development Officer filed a detailed counter- affidavit explaining the reasons for taking stringent action against the petitioner. According to the Block Development Officer, the petitioner indulged in several acts of misappropriation and on the basis of the inspection conducted by the Assistant Director of Panchayat, the District Collector took immediate action, divesting President of his cheque signing power.