SURESH CHAND PUNDIR Vs. DISTRICT MAGISTRATE DEHRADUN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned orders dated 26.7.1996 and 27.7.1996 (Annexures-1 and 2 to the petition). The petitioners were Gram Pradhans elected In 1990. By the impugned order dated 26.7.1996 of the District Magistrate, Dehradun addressed to all the Block Development Officers, it was directed that the records of the Gram Panchayats including those in the post office and in the Co-operative Banks should be seized forthwith and no amount should be withdrawn from the Bank. THIS order was passed by the District Magistrate in pursuance of the Government Order dated 25.7.1996. Subsequently, by the impugned order dated 27.7.1996, the Block Development Officer, Raipur, Dehradun seized all the records of the Pradhans of Gram Panchayats and passed an order that no amount should be withdrawn from the accounts in the Bank.

(2.) LEARNED counsel for the petitioner has submitted that no fresh election has taken place subsequent to the election of 1990 and hence the impugned order could not be passed and the petitioners have a right to continue till fresh election.

(3.) THUS, this petition and all other similar petitions (whether they are listed today before me or not) which have been filed in this Court are dismissed forthwith. The District Magistrate can make interim arrangements regarding the office of the Gram Pradhan and regarding the Gram Panchayat until the fresh elections are completed in the hill region.