Elected Representative Not Enjoying The Will Of The People Can't Be Permitted To Be In Power Even For A Second: Allahabad HC [Read Order]

The Division Bench Comprising Justices Shashi Kant Gupta and Piyush Agrawal specifically observed,

"If a representative no longer enjoys the confidence of the people, elected representatives have a right to remove him and he cannot be permitted to remain in power even for a second and has to be immediately replaced by a newly elected representative."

The Background of the case

The Petitioner, in this case, is the Pramukh of the Kotwali Kshetra Panchayat, Bijnor. The petitioner assumed the charge of Pramukh on 29.07.2019.

On 21.08.2020, a no-confidence motion, as per Section 15 of the Uttar Pradesh Kshetra Panchayat & Zila Panchayat Act, 1961, was made in accordance with the procedure laid down under the Act of 1961.

In pursuance of the no-confidence motion, the District Magistrate, Bijnor issued a notice dated 21.08.2020 convening a meeting for consideration of the motion of no confidence on 15.09.2020 at 11.00 a.m. at the Kotwali Kshetra Panchayat Office.

In view of the aforesaid notice of the District Magistrate, Bijnor, a meeting for the consideration of no-confidence motion is to be held at 11.00 a.m. on 15.09.2020.

It was contended by the counsel for the petitioner that since there are about 185 Members in the Kotwali Kshetra Panchayat, District – Bijnor, they exceed the number of persons permitted under the Guidelines for Phased Re-opening (Unlock-4) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on 29.08.2020.

It was further submitted that in view of the aforesaid Guidelines, the proposed meeting for consideration of a no-confidence motion cannot be convened on 15.09.2020 since it would be in violation of the provisions of the Disaster Management Act.

Court's Observation

The Court took into account the fact that the Act of 1961 provides for local self-governance where the people of Gaon Sabhas have been given the right to manage their own affairs and perform governmental function through a democratic process, under which they have been given the right to elect a Pradhan and remove him by passing a motion of no confidence. Election and removal by the motion of no-confidence are two important aspects in a democratic set-up for which the Act of 1961 has made ample provisions.

In this context, the Court said,

"Democracy is a system of government in which a country's political leaders are chosen by the people in regular, free, and fair elections. In a democracy, people have a choice between different candidates and parties who want the power to govern. The people are sovereign. They are the highest authority and government is based on the will of the people. Elected representatives at the national and local levels must listen to the people and be responsive to their needs. Thus, the voters have the right to elect their representatives and also criticize and replace them if they do not perform well." (emphasis supplied)

The Court further said,

"In view of the above inherent political philosophy and principle, the provision for bringing a no-confidence motion for removing the representatives, has been introduced in the present Act of 1961. The Will of people is supreme. It cannot be lightly interfered with. Under no circumstance can the will of the people be permitted to be frustrated." (emphasis supplied)

Directions given by the Court

Considering the facts & circumstances of the case, the Court directed the District Magistrate, Bijnor to ensure all the protocols applicable for social and physical distancing are adhered to. Specifically, the following directions were given by the Court:-

1- The sitting arrangements be made in such a manner so that it may adhere to the prescribed norms.

2- The District Magistrate, Bijnor may also explore the possibility of seating the Members of the Kotwali Kshetra Panchayat in two or three separate rooms, a big hall or in open space.

3- The Authority concerned may also explore the possibility of holding a virtual session, with the help of modern technological tools.

4- The District Magistrate or his representative, who would be present on the spot, will be the best person to understand the ground reality for holding the proposed no-confidence motion in the best possible manner, and we hope and trust he would ensure that all the protocols, as prescribed under the guidelines and norms issued by the State and Central Governments and the observations made hereinabove, would be followed.

Lastly, the Court observed that at a time when the State is reeling from a monstrous pandemic, it is imperative that detailed modalities for holding statutory meetings of local bodies, including those for considering 'No Confidence Motions', are put in place and implemented.

Accordingly, the Court directed the State Government to consider framing detailed Guidelines in this regard, expeditiously, if possible, within a period of three weeks from today.

In view of the aforesaid discussions, the writ petition was dismissed.

Case Details:

Case Title: Tripti Rani v. State Of U P And 5 Others

Case No.: WRIT - C No. - 13665 of 2020

Quorum: Justices Shashi Kant Gupta and Piyush Agrawal

Appearance: Advocates Atiqur Rahman Siddiqui, Rakesh Pande (Senior Adv.), Vishakha Pande (For the Petitioner); C.S.C., D.C.Mathur (for the Respondent).

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