IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AT HYDERABAD THE HON’BLE SMT. JUSTICE T. MADHAVI DEVI WRIT PETITION No.39009 OF 2025 DATE : 18.12.2025 Between:

Palugula Uma Rani …Petitioner AND The State of Telangana & 6 others …Respondents

ORDER

In this writ petition, the petitioner is challenging the action of the respondents No.2 to 6 in declaring the 7^th respondent as Sarpanch, Vasalmarry Gram Panchayat, Thurkapally Mandal, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri District, though there was a ballot paper missing while counting the votes for the post of Sarpanch, as illegal and arbitrary.

2. It is submitted that in total, 1235 votes were polled but only 1234 votes were counted for the post of Sarpanch. It is submitted that in Ward No.2, total 119 were counted for the post of Ward member whereas for the post of Sarpanch 118 votes only were counted. It is submitted that though an objection was raised on the next day by the petitioner and others that a ballot paper was found at the widow of the counting hall, the same was not taken into consideration and no action has been taken thereon.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner relied on Rule 56 Telangana Panchayat Raj (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1961 to subm