1. - In this writ petition, the petitioner, Bansidhar, seeks to challenge the order dated 4th May, 1987, passed by respondent No. 2, where by he has been placed under suspension in exercise of the powers available under Section 17(4A) of the Rajasthan Panchayat Act, 1953 (for short, the Act) on the sole ground that a criminal case regarding FIR No. 56/84, Police Station Jhotwara involving an offence under Sections 167, 466, 467, 468 & 120B of the Indian Penal Code is pending against him in the Court of Addl. Chief Judicial Magistrate, No. 7, Jaipur City, Jaipur.

2. Briefly stated the facts of the case are that the petitioner is a Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat, Nangal Jesa-Bohra. He was elected in the year 1981. Earlier, also, the petitioner was Sarpanch of the said Panchayat and was elected in the year 1978. On 17th April, 1984, FIR No. 56/84 was registered at the Police Station, Jhotwara, After investigation, a challan was filed and the case is pending in the Court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate No. 7, Jaipur City, Jaipur, The petitioner was suspended on 4th May, 1987 by respondent No. 2, Additional Secretary (Enquiry), Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Departmen