LAWS(GAU)-2024-3-36

JOYNAB BIBI Vs. UNION OF INDIA

Decided On March 22, 2024
Joynab Bibi Appellant
V/S
UNION OF INDIA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The subject matter of challenge in these writ petitions being similar, the same are disposed of by this common judgment and order. The petitioners herein have put to challenge an order dtd. 3/2/2024 of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department (hereinafter P&RD) by which concerned District Commissioner or his authorized officers have been allowed to officiate as the custodian of the properties of Gaon Panchayats (GP), Anchalik Panchayats (AP) and Zila Parishads (ZP) in the State of Assam for the gap period i.e., after completion of the term, as elections could not be held within the permissible time limit till holding of such elections. Challenge is also made to a subsequent order dtd. 14/2/2024 by which the District Commissioner had allowed different officers of the district to be custodian of the properties.

(2.) Before going into the issue involved and the grounds of challenge, it would be convenient if the background facts of the cases are narrated in brief.

(3.) There are 18 numbers of petitioners and they were all Presidents of different GPs in the district of Dhubri. Their term of five years was complete on or about 14/2/2024.