Rasida Bibi And ORS v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

24.06.2026 Ct. No.15 b.das WPA 13729 of 2026 Rasida Bibi & Ors.

Vs.

The State of W. B. & Ors.

Mr. Robiul Islam Sk. Jayed Hossain Mr. Raju Mondal Mr. M. Rahman ...for the petitioners.

Mr. Maidul Islam Kayal Mr. Aminul Mondal Mr. Noor Ul Amin Sardar Mr. Mohinur Mullick ..for the respondent no.8.

Mr. Madhu Jana Ms. Puja Sonkar ...for the State.

Affidavit of service filed by the petitioners is taken on record.

The petitioners who are members of Daulatabad Gram Panchayat floated a no confidence motion against the Pradhan being the 8th respondent herein, which was received by the Prescribed Authority on 1st June, 2026. The Prescribed Authority fixed the date of meeting on 18th June, 2026 by a notice issued on 5th June, 2026. The Prescribed Authority postponed the meeting due to non availability of required police force. The petitioners seek a direction upon the Prescribed Authority to convene the meeting and conclude the proceeding within the time frame stipulated in the Act itself.

Learned counsel for the private respondent submits that the requisition notice is undated.

Upon consideration of the submission made by the parties, this Court is inclined to hold that since Section 12 of the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973 contemplates a specific time frame for conclusion of a proceeding under the said provision of law, the Prescribed Authority and Block Development Officer, Berhampore Block, being the 5th respondent herein, is directed to convene the meeting within 10 days from the date of communication of this order upon service of notice to the parties and take the proceeding to its logical conclusion within the time frame prescribed in the Act.

The Officer in Charge of Daulatabad Police Station, being the 6th respondent herein, is directed to render necessary assistance to the 5th respondent so that the meeting can be held peacefully and without any disturbance from any corner whatsoever.

The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. There shall, however, be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the writ petition are deemed not to have been admitted. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities.

(Suvra Ghosh, J.)