A.CH.VEDAVANI Vs. PRL. SECRETARY, PANCHAYATRAJ DEPT.,

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition No.10844 of 2015 has been filed by an Advocate, who was the former learned Standing Counsel for Zilla Parishads, Mandal Praja Parishads and Gram Panchayats for the region of Rayalaseema seeking to issue a writ of mandamus to declare the action of the Respondents in not paying arrears of legal fees inspite of claiming the same through various bills and finally consolidated claim bills, dtd. 21/2/2015 as illegal, void and arbitrary and consequential direction to the Respondents to pay the arrears of legal fees to the petitioner forthwith.

(2.) The case of the petitioner is that she was appointed as Standing Counsel for Zilla Parishads, Mandal Praja Parishads and Grampanchayats for the region of Rayalaseema by virtue of G.O.Rt.No.262, dtd. 15/2/2007. Thereafter, she reappointed as Standing Counsel vide G.O.Rt.No.1903, dtd. 2/11/2010. After completion of her tenure, she handed over all pending files to her successor on 24/1/2015. She submitted legal bills periodically, but, the same were withheld by the Respondents without any reason. As such, she submitted a representation, dtd. 21/2/2015 to the Commissioner, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh (i.e.) 2nd Respondent herein requesting to clear the unpaid legal fee bills. But, no action has been taken by the 2nd respondent. Aggrieved by the same, the present writ petition has been filed.

(3.) This Court on 16/4/2015 ordered Rule Nisi and issued notice to the Respondents returnable within four weeks. In WPMP No.14331 of 2015, this Court by order, dtd. 16/4/2015, passed the following order: