JAIRAM Vs. STATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Sri A.D. Singh learned Counsel for the petitioners and learned Standing Counsel for the State respondents. This writ petition has been filed seeking a writ of certiorari for quashing the order dated 25.6.2015 passed by the District Magistrate, Firozabad.

(2.) BY this order the petitioner (Pradhan) has been directed to deposit a sum of Rs. 27,500/ - failing which the same is to be recovered as arrears of land revenue. Further in exercise of power under section 95(1)(g) of the Panchayat Raj Act the financial powers of the Pradhan had been curtailed. This order has been passed upon a finding that the petitioner (the Pradhan) and the Lekhpal had collected Rs. 55,000/ - as illegal gratification for making allotments in favour of the villagers. Since both the parties have been found guilty, a direction for deposit of half of the aforementioned amount from each of them and therefore, half of Rs. 55,000/ - is to be recovered from the petitioner.

(3.) LEARNED Counsel for the petitioner contends that in pursuance of the directions contained in the order dated 25.3.2014 an enquiry was held and enquiry report was submitted. This enquiry report was submitted on 11.7.2014 and communication in this regard was sent on 21.7.2014.