SARDA SINGH SIDHU Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Office of the Sarpanch of Village Kahma, Block Banga, District SBS Nagar (Nawanshehr) Punjab was reserved for Scheduled Caste (Woman). Smt. Sunita Devi being a Scheduled Caste Woman candidate was duly elected as Sapranch of the Village Kahma.

(2.) As per the allegations made in the petition, Smt. Sunita Devi has left India on 27.10.2010 without seeking any permission from the Authorities and thereafter has not returned till date. On 31.07.2012, the counsel for respondent No. 5 had sought time to find if Smt. Sunita Devi has returned from foreign country or not. He has confirmed that she has still not returned.

(3.) The petitioners who are Panches of the Village have approached this Court alleging that absence of the Sarpanch has led to a casual vacancy of the office of Sarpanch and this is required to be filled up in terms of Section 22 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 (for short 'the Act') by holding election to the post of Sarpanch.