MIRYALA MAHENDAR Vs. STATE OF TELANGANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner challenges the order dated 15.07.2020 which suspended him from the post of Upa Sarpanch of Perkapally Gram Panchayat for a period of six months. The said order was made under Section 37(5) of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 by the 3rd respondent - District Collector.

(2.) The petitioner was issued a show cause notice alleging that he, being the Upa Sarpanch and authorised to sign Cheques as co- signatory, failed to sign the cheques relating to payment of salaries of Multi-purpose workers, and electricity consumption charges, which act amounts to non-compliance of his legitimate duties and also not in the interest of the gram panchayat; and therefore, sought explanation as to why he should not be kept away from the affairs of the gram panchayat. The petitioner is stated to have submitted his explanation. After consideration of the explanation and also after considering the report of the District Panchayat Officer, he was stated to have suspended for a period of six months.

(3.) In the affidavit filed in support of this Writ Petition, the petitioner averred that false charges were framed against him as he questioned the unauthorised and illegal activities of the Sarpanch and also due to political rivalry. It is also averred that out of five material documents which he sought under the Right to Information Act, only three documents were furnished which is violation of the principles of natural justice in the conduct of inquiry.