(1.) THIS writ appeal involves an important question of law, which has arisen in many cases, and hence we are giving this detailed judgment.
(2.) WE have heard the learned counsel for the parties, and have perused the records, as well as the impugned judgment.
(3.) THE controversy in this case is regarding the interpretation of Section 188 (3) of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), which states:-