PORVORIM
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed Block Development Officer at Mapusa to convene a meeting on July 31 to discuss the no-confidence motion moved by five panchayat members of Salvador do Mundo against Dy Sarpanch Dattaram Redkar.
The high court also mentioned in the order that it would be appropriate if the BDO himself remains present for the meeting and ensures that the democratic process is not scuttled in any manner.
It may be mentioned that the Mapusa BDO had fixed a meeting on July 20 at 10.30 am in the office of Salvador do Mundo panchayat to discuss the notice of no-condolence motion served by five members of Salvador do Panchyat.
However, the Panchayat Secretary Amit Prabhu did not attend the meeting on the scheduled date on grounds that he was sick.
Since the Mapusa BDO did not fix a date of next meeting some time soon, Salvador do Mundo Sarpanch Roshni Sawaikar and four other panch members filed a writ petition in the high court, seeking the court to intervene in the matter and to direct the BDO to convey the meeting urgently.
On hearing the matter, the high court observed that the email sent by Panchayat Secretary Amit Prabhu to the BDO regarding his sick leave was not accompanied by any medical certificate.
“Prabhu who is present before us today did not make any alternate arrangement, in spite of knowing the fact that a motion of no-confidence was to take place on July 20 at 10.30 am,” observed the high court.
“While we propose to grant a full opportunity to Prabhu for his defence, at least, prima facie, we cannot expect such conduct on behalf a Government servant. A Government servant is expected to be neutral in such matters and not assist one party or the other.”
“Prima facie, we are not sure whether Mr Prabhu’s so-called sickness was genuine or whether it was for scuttling the democratic process. However, we propose to grant full opportunity for his defence before deciding the course of conduct adopted by him in the matter.”
Prabhu, who was present in the court, stated that he would make all arrangements to ensure that the meeting to consider the no-confidence motion is held on July 31 at 10.30 am at the Panchayat Hall.
