SUSAMA DAS Vs. KUMARI KABITA BEHERA AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) As both the writ applications involve common facts and questions of law, they are taken up together for disposal by this common order.

(2.) Susama Das is the petitioner in both the writ applications. She was elected as Panchayat Samiti Member (Samiti Sabhya) of Chikalakhandi Grama Panchayat in the election held on 17-2-2012 defeating Kumari Kabita Behera (opposite party No.1 in W.P. (C) No. 18405 of 2013) the only contesting candidate. On being so elected, she subsequently contested for the post of Chairman of Chhatrapur Panchayat Samiti. She was declared elected as Chairman of Chhatrapur Panchayat Samiti defeating Prativa Behera (opposite party No. 1 in W.P.(C) No. 18405 of 2013). Both Prativa Behera and Kumari Kabita Behera moved the Election Tribunal, i.e., Civil Judge (Senior Division), Chhatra-pur vide Election Petition No. 1 of 2012 and Election Petition No.2 of 2012 respectively challenging the election of Susama Das as Chairman of Chhatrapur Panchayat Samiti and Panchayat Samiti Member of Chikalakhandi Grama Panchayat on the ground that she (Susama Das) had given birth to her third child named Chinmaya Das after the cut off date, i.e., 21-4-1995.

(3.) Learned Election Tribunal, after hearing, dismissed the aforesaid election petitions obliging Kumari Kabita Behera and Prativa Behera to move the learned District Judge, Ganjam in Election Appeal No. 6 of 2012 and Election Appeal No. 7 of 2012 respectively for the redressal of their grievances regarding alleged illegal election of the present petitioner-Susama Das. Learned District Judge, Ganjam, after hearing, allowed Election Appeal No. 6 of 2012 and declared Kumari Kabita Behera (opposite party No. 1 in W.P. (C) No. 18405 of 2013) to have been elected, as she had polled second highest vote in the election for the post of Samiti Sabhya of Chikalakhandi Grama Panchayat and she was the only other candidate, who had contested. Election Appeal No. 7 of 2012 filed by Prativa Behera (opposite party No. 1 in W.P. (C) No. 18406 of 2013) was, however, allowed in part and the prayer of said Prativa Behera to the effect that she be declared elected as Chairman of Chhatrapur Panchayat Samiti was negatived.