JUDGMENT

L. MOHAPATRA, J. — Though this matter was listed for admission, on consent of the learned counsel for the parties, it was taken up for final disposal.

2. The petitioner who is the Sarpanch of Budhikapudi Grama Panchayat has filed this writ application challenging the order in Annexure-3 passed by the Collector, Keonjhar removing her from the post of Sarpanch on the basis of resolution passed in a no-confidence motion.

3. The case of the petitioner is that she was elected as Sarpanch of the aforesaid Grama Panchayat under Patna Block and after assuming office she has been sincerely working for development of the Grama Panchayat. On the basis of a requisition made by some of the members, a meeting was fixed for holding of no-confidence motion on 30.7.2004 and the petitioner was issued with a notice dated 15.7.2004 by the Sub-Collector, Keonjhar. It is alleged in the petition that on 30.7.2004 there was no discus¬sion on the vote of no-confidence against the petitioner, but the Presiding Officer without maintaining the secrecy of voting directed the voters to vote against the petitioner. The votes were also given in open. These allegations were brought to the notice of the Co