ORDER :

M.S. Ramachandra Rao, J.

1. The Nidamanuru Primary Agricultural Credit Society Limited (for short 'the Society') is a Primary Agricultural Society registered under the Andhra Pradesh Cooperative Societies Act, 1964 (for short, 'the Act'). It was incorporated with an aim to support farmers in the area of operation of the Society by disbursing loans to provide agricultural support, etc.

2. Sri Parimi Ramesh (for short, 'P.R.'), petitioner in W.P. No. 11838 of 2018, was the President of the said Society from 1993-1996 and from 1999-2001.

3. An enquiry into the affairs of the said Society was ordered on 28.09.2001 by the Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Krishna District under Section 51 of the Act.

4. A report was submitted by the Enquiry Officer giving a finding that there were irregularities in disbursement of loans and misappropriation of amounts to the tune of Rs. 47 lakhs.

5. Thereafter, surcharge proceedings were initiated under Section 60 of the Act and orders were passed vide Rc. No. 3134/01-E dt. 07.03.2002 fixing liability on the President along with the then Secretary, viz., Tupakula Appa Rao, jointly and severally, for Rs. 23,56,107/-.

6. Challenging the said ord