VIJAYAWADA: The High Court on Thursday questioned the State government over its decision to appoint special officers to manage the gram panchayats following the expiry of their elected bodies’ tenure.
The HC sought clarity on how these officers would effectively administer local bodies.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur and Justice R Raghunandan Rao observed that officials drawn from various departments would be burdened with additional responsibilities if appointed as special officers. It noted that such officers, typically stationed at mandal headquarters, may find it difficult to understand and address grassroots issues in individual panchayats. The bench asked why committees comprising two or three existing local officials could not be constituted instead to assist in administration.
The HC directed the government to place complete details before it and clarified that any appointments of special officers would be subject to its final verdict. The matter was adjourned to April 7.
A public interest litigation filed by AP BC Welfare Association president Kesana Shankara Rao sought directions to halt elections until a backward classes (BC) census is conducted. Another PIL by advocate Tandava Yogesh urged the court to direct the State to conduct elections immediately, arguing that polls should have been held before the expiry of the panchayat term.
Petitions were also filed by several sarpanches from Prakasam district challenging the move to appoint special officers, claiming it would hamper local development.
Senior counsel A Satya Prasad, appearing for the BC association, argued that the government was ignoring earlier HC rulings mandating a BC population count before elections. He contended that the dedicated commission set up by the State was meant to finalise reservations, not conduct census.
Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas stated that it has the authority to appoint special officers and that the commission has begun its work. He informed the HC that the file related to the appointment of the Election Commissioner is pending with the Governor.