B. SUBHASHAN REDDY, J.

( 1 ) THESE two writ petitions have been filed assailing the order dated 28-4-1997 passed by the Principal Munsif Magistrate (Election Tribunal) Guntur in EOP No. 18 of 1996.

( 2 ) BY the said order, the above Tribunal while selling aside the election of the Sarpanch, namely, Suit. Shaik Mahahoab Den, ordered re-election. Against the order selling aside the election, WP No. 25522/97 was filed, while WP No. 14129/97 is directed against the consequential direction for conducting the fresh election as against the prayer for declaring her, namely, Smt. Shaik Khasim Bee, as the Sarpanch.

( 3 ) THE cases have checkered history. In order to avoid confusion, we refer the parties as arrayed in the Election Petition. Smt. Shaik Khasini Bee was the election petitioner, while Smt. Shaik Mahuboob Bee was the 1st respondent. We refer to them accordingly. The Election Officer will be referred to as the 3rd respondent and the State Election Commission as the 6th respondent.

( 4 ) THE post of Sarpanch of Mangalagiripadu Gram Panchayat of Medikonduru Mandai of Guntur District was reserved for women candidates. It comprises of 10 wards for electing the woman-sarpanch. The petit

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