Elected Representatives Must Work Together For Benefit Of Villagers: Madras High Court

Justice CV Karthikeyan was hearing a plea filed by the Panchayat President of Pattakurichi Village, Tenkasi Taluk challenging an order of the District Collector. The court noted that the collector had passed the impugned order pursuant to his emergency powers under Section 203 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act since the President and the Vice president were at loggerheads with each other.

"There could be differences within the family. However, they have to be kept aside and the elected representatives must work for the benefit of the villagers. Unfortunately, they did not do, so either as the President or as the Vice President."

The court noted that the President was constantly in conflict with the Vice President who was also her family member. The court, after perusing the impugned order was satisfied that the elected representatives had not even provided basic amenities to the villagers and that necessary works were not carried out.

The court further took note of the fact that when complaints were made regarding the non-performance of work, a meeting was conducted, and the collector passed the impugned order directing that the expenses for the execution of work be paid by the person having custody of Village Panchayat Fund.

"The impugned order does not suffer from any infirmity. There was an enquiry conducted. Since the President and the Vice President only spread animosity within the Panchayat, the District Collector, as the Inspector of Panchayats, has every right to step in and pass necessary orders rectifying such attitude. Hence, I find no merit in the writ petition," the court observed.

Thus, the court dismissed the petition.

Case Title: Annalakshmi v. The District Collector and others

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 149

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr.R.Murugappan

Counsel for Representatives: M/s.D.Farjana Ghoushia Special Government Pleader for R1, R2, R4 and R5 Mr.M.Senthil Ayyanar Government Advocate for R3