Punjab-Haryana High Court
Goverdhan Gopal vs State Of Punjab And Ors on 29 April, 2015
Author: Jaswant Singh
Bench: Jaswant Singh
CWP 5036/2015 1 107
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH
Date of decision:29.04.2015.
Goverdhan Gopal
.............Petitioner
v.
State of Punjab and others
.............Respondent
CORAM: HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE JASWANT SINGH
Present:- Mr.Arvind Kashyap,Advocate for the petitioner
Jaswant Singh,J.(Oral)
Petitioner is an elected Chairman of Zila Parishad, Pathankot since July 2013. The grievance of the petitioner is that although the funds have been released under the 13th Finance Commission to the Zila Parishads, however the works to be carried out are to be chosen by Deputy Commissioner concerned and therefore, it is submitted that his powers as Chairman have been usurped.
After hearing counsel for the petitioner at some length this court is not inclined to agree with the learned counsel for the petitioner.
No doubt, as per Clause(e) of sub-Section(1) of Section 172 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act,1994, Chairman has to exercise supervision over the financial and execution matters of the Zila Parishad, however, merely because funds released under a special scheme towards works to be carried out are to be chosen by Deputy RAJINDER PRASHAD JOSHI 2015.05.01 10:07 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document High Court, Chandigarh. CWP 5036/2015 2 107 Commissioner, cannot be construed to interfere with his over all supervisory powers. It cannot be disputed that the petitioner has demonstrated no instance of any work having been undertaken by the Deputy Commissioner of his District resulting into any misutilisation of funds. Therefore, the argument raised is an abstract without any basis.
In view of the above, present writ petition is dismissed with costs of Rs.5000/- to be deposited with District Legal Service Authority,Pathankot within one month from today. In case of non- deposit of said costs within stipulated time, Secretary,District Legal Service Authority,Pathankot shall take necessary steps to recover the same as arrears of land revenue.
29.04.2015. (Jaswant Singh) joshi Judge RAJINDER PRASHAD JOSHI 2015.05.01 10:07 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document High Court, Chandigarh.