ASHISH BALAJI SAWANT Vs. JALINDAR TUKARAM KHAIRE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith and the Petition is heard finally with the consent of all learned Advocates for the respective parties.

(2.) By this Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the Petitioner seeks quashing and setting aside the Order dtd. 14/5/2024, passed by the Respondent No.4-District Caste Scrutiny Committee, Raigad.

(3.) Mr. Gavnekar, learned Advocate for the Petitioner states that the Petitioner had contested the election for the post of Sarpanch and successfully defeated the Respondent No.1. Aggrieved by the election result, the Respondent No.1 lodged a complaint with the District Caste Scrutiny Committee. He submits that, without affording an opportunity of hearing to the Petitioner, Respondent No.4 passed an Order on 14/5/2024 ('impugned order') invalidating the caste claim of the Petitioner.