K.Sarala v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 22.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH K.Sarala W/o.Kumaran ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Kancheepuram Collector Office, Kancheepuram District.
2.The Block Development Officer, In charge of Venpakkam Village Panchayat, Venpakkam Village, Banrutti Post, Theneri, Walajabad Circle, Kancheepuram District - 631 604.
... Respondents [R2 suo motu impleaded as per the order of this Court dated 22.07.2025] Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to immediately intervene and take necessary administrative action for the smooth functioning of the Panchayat and ensure proper distribution of Government funds without delay pursuant to the petitioner's representation dated 19.05.2025 & 26.05.2025 as contemplated under Panchayat Act. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Himavanth For Respondents : Mr.E.Vijay Anand Additional Government Pleader ***** 1/4
ORDER
The Block Development Officer, In charge of Venpakkam Village Panchayat, Venpakkam Village, Banrutti Post, Theneri, Walajabad Circle, Kancheepuram District - 631 604, is suo motu impleaded as second respondent in this writ petition.
2. Mr.E.Vijay Anand, learned Additional Government Pleader, takes notice for the impleaded second respondent.
3. This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the first respondent to act upon the representations made by the petitioner on 19.05.2025 and 26.05.2025 wherein the petitioner, who is the President of Venpakkam Village Panchayat, is seeking for taking administrative action for the smooth functioning of the Panchayat and to ensure proper distribution of Government funds without delay.
4. Mr.M.Himavanth, learned counsel for petitioner and Mr.E.Vijay Anand, learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for respondents.
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5. The petitioner is the President of Venpakkam Village Panchayat having been duly elected to the said post and took charge on 20.10.2021. The grievance of the petitioner is that there is absolutely noncooperation among the other members of the panchayat. That apart, the Vice President is repeatedly disrupting the functioning of the panchayat and obstructed the effective delivery of essential public services. On carefully reading the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, it is seen that the petitioner being a woman is facing the challenge from the other members, who are all men. Therefore, the petitioner left with no other option made a representation to the first respondent for taking necessary administrative action to ensure smooth functioning of the panchayat. Since the same did not evoke any response, the present writ petition has been filed.
6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and considering the nature of grievance expressed by the petitioner, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to deal with the representation made by the petitioner on a priority basis forthwith and ensure proper and smooth functioning of the panchayat and also ensure proper distribution of the Government funds for the needy. This Court suo motu impleaded the second respondent since the second respondent will be the competent authority, who 3/4
N.ANAND VENKATESH, J.
gm can coordinate with the first respondent to ensure smooth functioning of the panchayat.
This writ petition is disposed of with the above direction. No costs.
22.07.2025 Note:
Registry is directed to carry out necessary amendment in all the concerned records.
Index: yes/no Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order gm To 1.The District Collector, Kancheepuram Collector Office, Kancheepuram District.
2.The Block Development Officer, In charge of Venpakkam Village Panchayat, Venpakkam Village, Banrutti Post, Theneri, Walajabad Circle, Kancheepuram District - 631 604. 4/4