P. C. NAIK, J.

( 1 ) IN this petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, petitioner Sukanta Bhoi, Sarpanch (under suspension) of Satyabhamapur Gram Panchayat under Balianta Police Station in the district of Khurda has challenged the order dated 27-5-1999 of his suspension passed by the Collector and District Magistrate, Khurda under Section 115 (1) of the Orissa Gram Panchayat Act, 1964 (Orissa Act 1 of 1965) (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act'), communicated to him vide letter No. 337 dated 27-5-1999, Annexure-4 to the writ petition.

( 2 ) THE petitioner had been elected as the Sarpanch of Satyabhamapur Gram Panchayat in January, 1997. It is alleged that since he was not owing allegiance to the Ruling Party of the State, he incurred the wrath of the local leaders. At the instance of the local leaders who were opposed to the petitioner, the sub-Collector, Bhubaneswar, vide his letter dated 16-12-1998 (Annexure-1) alleged that certain financial irregularities were committed by the petitioner while functioning as the Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat and asked him to show cause. The allegations were as follows :- (1) Without obtaining approval of higher authori