15.09.2026 rc/ct.no.15 Item No.09 WPA No. 25327 of 2026 Jhatu Sk. Versus The State of West Bengal & Ors. Adv. Robiul Islam Adv. Sk. Jayeed Hossain Adv. M. Rahaman Adv. Sumitra Das ..for the petitioner Adv. Tapasi Palit Sinha Adv. Monajit Chakraborti …for the State Report submitted by the State is taken on record. The office of the Pradhan fell vacant upon her removal on August 25, 2026. By a notice issued on August 31, 2026, the Prescribed Authority fixed the date of meeting for election of the new Pradhan on September 08, 2026. However, the meeting was postponed due to non- availability of police assistance. The petitioner seeks a direction upon the Prescribed Authority to convene the meeting and conclude the proceeding, in accordance with law. It appears from the report submitted by the State that the Prescribed Authority requested the police authority to provide adequate police assistance in order to maintain law and order in the meeting fixed for election of the Pradhan. The said request was turned down by the police authority on frivolous grounds. In view of the above, the Prescribed Authority and Block Development Officer, Raghunathganj-II Block, being the 3rd respondent herein, is directed to convene the meeting within 10 days from the date of communication of this order upon service of notice to all concerned and take the proceeding to its logical conclusion in terms of Rule 6(1) of the West Bengal Panchayat (Constitution) Rules, 1975 including concurrence of the District Panchayat Election Officer. The Inspector in Charge, Raghunathganj Police Station, being the 4th respondent herein, is directed to render necessary assistance to the Prescribed Authority so that the meeting is held peacefully and without any disturbance from any corner whatsoever. The police authority shall ensure safe passage of the members including the petitioners herein to the venue of the meeting so that they are able to cast their votes safely, freely and independently. A copy of the order be communicated to the Superintendent of Police, Jangipur Police District to take necessary steps so that the police assistance is not denied to the authorities on such frivolous grounds. The writ petition is disposed of. There shall, however, be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the writ petition are deemed not to have been admitted. 2 Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities. (Suvra Ghosh,J) 3