The Ombudsman lacks authority to impose training mandates on Grama Panchayat members without proper notice and jurisdiction.

JUDGMENT

Petitioners have approached this Court challenging Ext.P4 order of the 2^nd respondent.

2. Petitioners 1 and 2 are members and 3^rd petitioner is the former Secretary of the Vellanad Grama Panchayat. The 2^nd respondent as per Ext.P4 order finding that the Grama Sabha was not chaired by the President and the same was chaired by the standing committee Chairman, which was found to be against the statute, directed the petitioners to attend a training programme conducted by KILA. Petitioners submit that the 2^nd respondent has no power to issue any such direction. It is further submitted that the term of petitioners 1 and 2 is already over and the 3^rd petitioner has already retired from service.

Therefore, there is no purpose in the petitioners undergoing any training as directed in Ext.P4. Further, I am of the view that the 2^nd respondent cannot issue such directions especially when petitioners 1 and 2 were not arrayed as parties to the proceedings and no notice was issued to them. Taking into consideration the above facts and circumstances, I am inclined to interfere with Ext.P4. Accordingly, Ext.P4 is set aside.

Writ petition is disposed of as above.

Sd/-