PARAMJIT KAUR, PANCH Vs. FINANCIAL COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Notice of motion.

(2.) On being asked, Ms. Ambika Luthra, Assistant Advocate General, Punjab has accepted notice on behalf of respondents. With the consent of learned counsel for the parties, present petition is being disposed of at the admission stage.

(3.) Petitioner is an elected Panch of Village Gram Panchayat Dyalgarh Jejian, Block Sunam, District Sangrur. First Information Report (FIR) No. 150 dated 3.11.2008 was registered in Police Station Dirba, District Sangrur against the petitioner, alleging that she was found in possession of 20 Kgs. of poppy-husk (Narcotics). She was placed under suspension vide order dated 18.12.2008 under Section 20(3) of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 (hereinafter mentioned as "1994 Act"). Petitioner preferred an appeal challenging the suspension order dated 18.12.2008. The appeal was accepted by Director, Rural Development and Panchayat, Punjab, Mohali (respondent No. 2), reinstating the petitioner on the post of Panch, saying that the order of reinstatement shall not effect regular enquiry pending against the petitioner. Thereafter, the petitioner was removed from the post of Panch vide impugned order dated 6.1.2011 (Annexure P/1) passed by respondent No. 2 by exercising powers provided under Section 20(1)(a) of the 1994 Act.