Sharlet Fernandes v. Village Panchayat Of Majorda Utorda Calata, Thr. The Secretary And 5 ORS.

WP 684 of 2024 Maria S.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY AT GOA

WRIT PETITION NO.684 OF 2024 SHARLET FERNANDES ... PETITIONER

Versus

VILLAGE PANCHAYAT OF MAJORDA UTORDA CALATA, THR. THE SECRETARY AND 5 ORS.

... RESPONDENTS Mr Shane Gomes Pereira, Advocate for the Petitioner. Mr Prashil Arolkar, Additional Government Advocate for the Respondent State.

CORAM:- M. S. KARNIK & VALMIKI MENEZES, JJ.

DATED :- 9th October, 2024 P.C.

The petitioner alleges misuse of Panchayat funds by the Sarpanch which amounts to remiss of duty. The first complaint dated 22.06.2023 has been made to the Director of Panchayat by the petitioner under Section 177 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, and another complaint dated 18.09.2023 under Section 176 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, against Custodio Faria, Secretary of Village Panchayat-Majorda-Utorda-Calata making various allegations of illegalities. The contention of the learned Counsel for the petitioner is that despite repeatedly making representations, the Director of Panchayat is not looking into the complaints. 9th October, 2024

WP 684 of 2024

2. We have requested Mr Arolkar, learned Additional Government Advocate to appear for the State. Though Mr Arolkar has requested for some time to take instructions, considering the order that we propose to make, it may not be necessary for Mr Arolkar to take instructions.

3. We call upon the Director of Panchayat to treat this petition as a representation and look into the grievances of the petitioner and take the same to its logical conclusion within a period of 3 weeks from today.

4. Keeping all contentions open, the petition is disposed of. No costs.

VALMIKI MENEZES, J.

M. S. KARNIK, J.

Signed by: MARIA SUZANA REBELLO Designation: Personal Assistant Date: 09/10/2024 17:44:53 9th October, 2024