SINGTAILENG JAJO @ ALENG JAJO Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. R.K.Umakanta, learned counsel for the petitioner. Heard also Kh. Nobin, learned Addl. Advocate General, Manipur for the State respondents as well as Mr. N.Jotendro, learned counsel for the respondents No.5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13. Heard also Mr. K.Roshan, learned counsel for the respondents No.8 and 10.

(2.) In the present case, the petitioner claiming to be the hereditary Headman of Island Tangkhul Village has challenged the notification dated 24.5.2012 (Annexure-A/7) issued by the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul calling for objection to the purported election of Village Authority members of Island Tangkhul Village and also the order dated 6.9.2012 (Annexure-A/9) passed by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul whereby one Shri Ramnganing Jajo, respondent No.6 has been recognised as the new Headman/Khullakpa of Island Tangkhul Village on several grounds, inter-alia, that the said notification and order were issued by the office of the Sub- Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul without complying with the provisions of law as well as that the petitioner is the hereditary Headman by virtue of which he cannot be replaced by any other Headman during his lifetime.

(3.) In the said impugned notification dated 24.5.2012 (Annexure-A/7) issued by the office of Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul, it has been stated that present private respondents numbering 9 (nine) had been elected as members of the Village Authority of Island Tangkhul Village as per proceeding of the village Annual House sitting held on 25.4.2012 and objections were called from the public to be submitted within 20(twenty) days thereof. Purportedly taking actions pursuant to the said notification, the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul issued the impugned order on 6.9.2012 whereby the respondent No.6 was recognised as the new Headman/Khullakpa of the Island Tangkhul Village. In the said order dated 6.9.2012 (Annexure-A/9), it has been stated that the SDO had personally visited the Island Tangkhul Village along with other officials and ascertained that the respondent No.6 had been elected as a Headman by majority of the villagers on 26.4.2012 for a term of 5 years in place of the petitioner after notice was issued calling for objection (s) which was published on 29.5.2012 in the local paper, The Sangai Express and as no objections/complaints had been received within the stipulated time and as per recommendation of the Circle MLA and other Chief and Secretary of neighbouring villages, the Sub- Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul, recognised the said respondent No.6 as the Headman of Island Tangkhul Village.