1. Heard Mr. Dicky Panging, learned counsel, appearing on behalf of the petitioner. Also heard Mr. R.H. Nabam, learned Senior Government Advocate, appearing on behalf of State respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and Mr. Kento Jini, learned counsel, appearing on behalf of private respondent No. 5.

2. The Gaon Buras ('GBs') are the village authorities who are appointed in terms of section 5 of the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation, 1945 ('Regulation of 1945'). As per the Regulation, the criminal justice as well as Civil justices systems in the State of Arunachal Pradesh are administered by the Deputy Commissioner and village authorities. The Deputy Commissioner is the appointing authority of the village authorities/GBs. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has issued detailed guidelines for regulating the method of appointment of village authorities/GBs, which are, enumerated, hereunder, for ready reference :

"(2). MODE OF SELECTION OF H.G.Bs/G.B.:

(a) The basic character of this age-old customary institution is democratic, therefore, the method of selection be through unanimous or through majority opinion of the adult residents of the village at a full and open meeting of

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