JUDGMENT

Mangesh S. Patil, J. - Heard.

2. Rule. The Rule is made returnable forthwith. The learned A.G.P. waives service on behalf of respondent No.1, learned Advocate Mr. S.S. Tope waives service for respondent No.2, learned Advocate Mr. A.N. Nagargoje waives service for respondent Nos.3, 5 and 6 and learned Advocate Mr. Vaibhav Pawar waives service for respondent Nos.4 and 7 to 10. At the joint request of learned Advocates for the parties, the matter is heard finally at the stage of admission.

3. The petitioner is challenging the order passed by respondent No.1 Collector dated 31.12.2020 holding him to have incurred a disqualification under Section 36 read with Section 7 of the Maharashtra Village Panchayat Act, 1958 (hereinafter referred to as `the Act) from holding the post of Sarpanch of village Ukhali, Taluka Aundha (Nagnath), District Hingoli for not holding the requisite number of monthly meetings and gram sabhas. The decision was rendered on a complaint filed by respondent No.2.

4. Mr. S.K. Chavan, learned Advocate for the petitioner would strenuously submit that the decision under challenge has been rendered in blatant disregard to the principles of natural justice. The petit