JUDGMENT

The petitioners are the Nedumbassery Grama Panchayat and its Secretary. They seek to challenge Ext.P12 order issued by the Ombudsman for the Local Self Government Institutions on a complaint filed by the 4^th respondent herein.

2. The 4^th respondent had constructed a multi-storey building within the limits of the 1^st petitioner Panchayat. So as to obtain water connection to the said building, the 4^th respondent says that he deposited an amount of Rs.3,36,675/- with the Panchayat. According to the 3^rd respondent, he, having completed the entire work, the afore amount ought to have been returned to him with reference to the various Clauses contained in Ext.P3 agreement entered into with the Panchayat. Insofar as the Panchayat did not refund the afore amount, the petitioner preferred a complaint before the Ombudsman as above. The Ombudsman, by the impugned order Ext.P12, has found that the retention of the afore amount is incorrect and illegal, directing the af