September 10, 2026 (43) ARDR WPA 24955 of 2026 Saddam Hossain Vs. The State of West Bengal & ors. Adv. Robiul Islam, Adv. Asmita Mitra, Adv. Raju Mondal, …for the petitioner. Adv. Noni Gopal Chakraborty, Adv. Partha Sarathi Basu, …for the State. Affidavit of service filed by the petitioner is taken on record. The office of the Pradhan of Daulatabad Gram Panchayat fell vacant upon acceptance of his resignation by the Prescribed Authority on 3rd July, 2026. By a notice issued on 18th August, 2026, the Prescribed Authority fixed a date of meeting on 2nd September, 2026 for election of the new Pradhan. However the meeting was adjourned by a further notice issued on 31st August, 2026 due to non availability of police assistance. The petitioner seeks a direction upon the Prescribed Authority to reschedule the meeting and further direction upon the police authority to render necessary assistance to the Prescribed Authority so that the meeting is held without any hindrance. In view of the fact that the meeting scheduled on 2nd September, 2026 was postponed due to non availability of police assistance, the Prescribed Authority and Block Development Officer, Berhampore Block, being the 3rd respondent herein, is directed to convene the meeting within ten days from the date of communication of this order upon service of notice to the parties concerned and 2 take the proceeding to its logical conclusion in terms of Section 6(1) of the West Bengal (Constitution) Rules, 1975, including concurrence of the District Panchayat Election Officer. The Officer in charge, Daulatabad Police Station, being the 4th respondent herein, is directed to render necessary assistance to the Prescribed Authority so that the meeting is held peacefully without any hindrance from any corner whatsoever. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. There shall however, be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the petition are deemed not to have been admitted. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities. (Suvra Ghosh, J.)