The Office of the headman of Ariyapadi village, Arni taluk, North Arcot District, fell vacant consequent on the death of the Isum headman of that village. The Revenue Divisional Officer of Cheyyar invited applications and by order dated 3rd August, 1966, appointed Palani Goundar, the first respondent herein, as the headman of the said village temporarily, but on long term basis. Against that order two of the unsuccessful candidates, Munia Goundar, the petitioner herein, and one Ramaswamy Goundar, preferred appeals to the District Revenue Officer, North Arcot. By order dated 20th September, 1966, the District Revenue Officer set aside the order of the Revenue Divisional Officer and appointed the petitioner herein, as the headman of the said village. Against this order, Palani Goundar, the first respondent, preferred an appeal to the Board of Revenue. After hearing the Counsel for the petitioner herein, and perusing the records,the Board of Revenue came to the conclusion that Palani Goundar was a preferential candidate having better qualifications and in that view set aside the order of the District Revenue Officer and restored that of the Revenue Divisional Officer. Against