(1.) HEARD Counsel for the petitioner and the Standing Counsel.
(2.) ELECTION of Gram Panchyayat of Chak Bahuddinpur, Block Paridah, district Ballia was held in August, 2005, in which one Sri Gokul CKauhan was elected as Pradhan and 11 other persons including the petitioner as members of Gram Panchayat. Elected Pradhan Sri Gokul Chauhan died on 25.7.2008. Information with regard to his death was given by Block Development Officer to the District Magistrate, Ballia, who in exercise of his powers under section 12-J (2) of U.P. Panchayat Raj Act, 1947 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) nominated a three members committee comprising of Smt. Durgawati, Sri Inshwar Chand and the petitioner, to discharge the duties and functions of Pradhan vide order dated 12.8.2008. The nomination so made by the District Magistrate was accepted by Gram Panchayat in its meeting held on 14.8.2008.
(3.) ARMED with the judgment and order of the High Court, Sri Brijendra Ram moved the District Magistrate Ballia, who vide his order dated 23.10.2008 nominated respondent No. 6 Sri Hare Ram son of Ramrikha to discharge the duties and functions of Pradhan.