(1.) Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith and heard finally.
(2.) This Petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India assails a judgment and order dtd. 26/5/2022, passed by the learned Minister (Rural Development) in VPM/2022/SR 52/PR6, whereby and whereunder the Appeal preferred by the respondent No. 1 against an order of removal from the office of Sarpanch of Village Panchayat, Ambivali, Tal. Mahad, Dist. Raigad, came to be allowed by setting aside the order dtd. 19/4/2022, passed by the Divisional Commissioner, Kokan division, under Sec. 39(1) of the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act, 1959 ( "the Act, 1959 ").
(3.) The Petition arises in the backdrop of the following facts:-