( 1 ) IN this petition two cooperative societies through their respective Chairmen have challenged the general elections to agricultural produce market committee Varahi distbkantha from agriculturists constituency as contemplated by sec. 11 (1) (i) of the Gujarat Agricultural Produce Markets Act 1963 (hereinafter referred to as the Act ). The present petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

( 2 ) IN order to appreciate the grievance of the petitioners it is necessary to note a few relevant facts leading to the present petition The petitioners claim to be Seva Sahkari Mandalis falling under the category of cooperative societies dispensing agricultural credit in the Varahi market area in Santalpur taluka of Banaskantha district. The petitioners are duly registered under the Provisions of the Cooperative Societies Act 1961 Respondent No. 4 herein is agricultural produce market committee duty registered under the said Act. It is also required to function as per the statutory provisions of the Act and the rules framed thereunder which are named and styled as the Gujarat Agricultural Produce Markets Rules 1965 (hereinafter referred to as the Rul