P VENKATRAM REDDY Vs. COLLECTOR MEDAK DISTRICT SANGAREDDY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Sri P. Venkatram Reddy has filed this writ petition questioning the validity of the order of the 1st respondent, the Collector, Medak, dated 23rd April 1975.

(2.) The petitioner was the Sarpanch of Bakri Chapiyal Gram Panchayat from 2nd November, 1960 to 4th May, 1964. Thereafter one Smt. Vajramma was elected as Sarpanch and the petitioner did not hand over to her all the records. Some records were found missing and the petitioner submitted a report to the police as well as to the Department stating that they were thrown by his opponents in the well, which was found to be false. Be that as it may the fact remains that an enquiry was conducted by the Extension Offcer (Penchayats), Siddipet and he submitted a report on 25th February, 1965 stating that the petitioner did not account for a sum of Rs. 2,807-44 and, therefore proceedings could be taken for recovery of that amount from him. The Divisional Panchayat Officer, Siddipet, also enquired into the natter and submitted a report on 11th April, 1965. The Assistant Examiner of Local Fund Accounts also repotted that he could not submit a report, since the records were not produced before him for audit.

(3.) While so, a notice was given to the petitioner by the 1st respondent on 7th April, 1975 calling upon him to deposit that amount on or before 20th April, 1975 failing which proceedings would be taken to recover that amount. The petitioner states that he has submitted an explanation; but the 1st respondert says that he did not receive any explananation. Therefore, I have to take it that he did not submit any explanation. Thereafter on 23rd April, 1975 the Collector issued an order under section 150 of the Andhra Pradesh Gram Panchayats Act, as amended, directing the recovery of that amount from the petitioner as arrears of land revenue. Questioning that order the petitioner has filed this writ petition.